The Speed of Dark
Language: English
Published by Ballantine Del Rey, New York, 2002
- First Edition
- Softcover
- Used
Seller: Green Oak Books and Collectibles, Airdrie, AB, CanadaGreen Oak Books and Collectibles
AbeBooks seller since December 5, 2024
Condition: Used - As new
US$ 15.00
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
mass market paperback 369 pp. The book appears unread and is in almost as new condition. Page 189/190 is dog-eared indicating the book has been carefully read. The spine has no creasing. The gloss is intact on the cover. From the back cover: “… The Speed of Dark is a gripping exploration into the world of Lou Arrendale, an autistic man who is offered a chance to try an experimental ‘cure’ for his condition. Now Lou must decide if he should submit to surgery that may change the way he views the world – and the very essence of who he is.” Winner of the Nebula Award.
Seller Inventory # 000185
- Title
- The Speed of Dark
- Author
- Elizabeth Moon
- Publisher
- Ballantine Del Rey, New York
- Publication year
- 2002
- Condition
- As New
- Binding
- Soft cover
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 0345481399
- ISBN 13
- 9780345481399
- Edition
- 1st Edition
- Printing
- 5th or later Printin
- Dimensions
- 12mo - over 6¾ - 7¾" tall
Lou Arrendale is a member of that lost generation, born at the wrong time to reap the awards of medical science. Part of a small group of high-functioning autistic adults, he has a steady job with a pharmaceutical company, a car, friends, and a passion for fencing. Aside from his annual visits to his counselor, he lives a low-key, independent life. He has learned to shake hands and make eye contact. He has taught himself to use “please” and “thank you” and other conventions of conversation because he knows it makes others comfortable. He does his best to be as normal as possible and not to draw attention to himself.
But then his quiet life comes under attack. It starts with an experimental treatment that will reverse the effects of autism in adults. With this treatment Lou would think and act and be just like everyone else. But if he was suddenly free of autism, would he still be himself? Would he still love the same classical music–with its complications and resolutions? Would he still see the same colors and patterns in the world–shades and hues that others cannot see? Most importantly, would he still love Marjory, a woman who may never be able to reciprocate his feelings? Would it be easier for her to return the love of a “normal”?
There are intense pressures coming from the world around him–including an angry supervisor who wants to cut costs by sacrificing the supports necessary to employ autistic workers. Perhaps even more disturbing are the barrage of questions within himself. For Lou must decide if he should submit to a surgery that might completely change the way he views the world . . . and the very essence of who he is.
Thoughtful, provocative, poignant, unforgettable, The Speed of Dark is a gripping exploration into the mind of an autistic person as he struggles with profound questions of humanity and matters of the heart.
From the Hardcover edition.
"Synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
From the Hardcover edition.
"About the title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Green Oak Books and Collectibles
Airdrie, AB, Canada
AbeBooks seller since December 5, 2024
Shipping rates from Canada to U.S.A.
| Item | 7 to 14 business days | 1 to 6 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | US$ 30.00 | US$ 50.00 |
Payment methods
Specialty
Rare, first editions, fantasy, horror, business, general fiction, occult, historical, textbooksSeller's business information
Green Oak Books and Collectibles
AB, Canada
Terms of sale
Terms of Sale
-
Our store policies adhere to the policies set forth by AbeBooks.
-
We strive to keep our descriptions accurate and our shipping fast. We are available to answer any questions you may have prior to ordering about the product or shipping.
** Pricing and Payment:**
- Purchases to Canadian addresses include applicable GST/HST.
- Payment methods accepted: credit cards, money orders, and PayPal accepted. Etransfer within Canada.
- All prices are listed in US funds. Will hold.
*** Books returnable with permission. **
If you have questions or concerns:
Please use the Ask bookseller a question link to contact us and we'll respond within 2 business days.
**Disclaimer: **
Please double-check your information before buying. We are not responsible for delivery problems/loss due to customers’ error. We encourage all customers to double check form information, especially delivery address and contact information, before submitting orders.
Shipping terms
Shipping Terms
- We use primarily Canada Post to ship, but will ship via courier for customers in Canada.
*** If Canada Post is threatening, or is on strike, then we will have to use FedEx for shipping, which carries a higher cost. (As of May 26, 2025, Canada Post is in the process of negotiating their contract, and is beginning strike action. All orders will be shipped using FedEx until further notice.) Please see the shipping template for the new costs of shipping.** - We generally ship within 1 - 2 business days (Monday through Friday, except statuatory holidays).
- Orders placed on weekends and holidays are shipped the following business day.
- Shipping rates are based on books weighing 2.2 lbs or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.
- Please let us know if you have special shipping requirements and we will do our best to accommodate.
Update: August 31, 2025 - Shipping to the USA with Tarriffs and CUSMA Compliance
- Due to the unpredictable nature of tarriff rates and CUSMA compliance, we have had to introduce flat rate shipping to the USA. Canada Post now requires us to pre-pay all potential duties up front. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause; and we hope that this all will be sorted out soon.