Ted Chiang is known for his thought-provoking science fiction stories that have earned him numerous awards starting with his first published story, “Tower of Babylon,” which won the Nebula Award in 1991. His collection “Exhalation” features nine stories that showcase his talent for exploring scientific and technological progress and its impact on society.
The title story, “Exhalation,” follows an alien civilization where the inhabitants rely on argon to survive, raising questions about their nature and origins. In “The Truth of Fact, The Truth of Feeling,” Chiang intertwines two narratives—one set in a future where memory-recording technology changes society and another in a West African village grappling with the power of written language.
Another story, “Anxiety is the Dizziness of Freedom,” delves into a future technology called “prisms” that creates divergent timelines, leading to existential crises and ethical dilemmas for its users. Through his straightforward writing style, Chiang explores the complexities of human relationships, the influence of technology on identity, and the profound impact of innovation on society.
Overall, “Exhalation” offers a collection of Chiang’s finest works, showcasing his creativity and inventive storytelling that sheds light on the human experience and the evolving relationship between humanity and technology.
