It’s something that has been a sore spot in my reading history, and something I’ve wanted to amend-at some point. To be blunt, I’m not a big reader of short story collections. In a totalitarian world where memory and individuality are controlled and suppressed, love, community and artistic expression hold the key to a bright new future. This does not influence my thoughts or opinions. Thank you to Harper Voyager for sending me an ARC of this book for review consideration before its release on April 19. Building off the traditions of speculative writers such as Octavia Butler, Ted Chiang, Becky Chambers, and Nnedi Okorafor-and filled with the artistic genius and powerful themes that have made Monáe a worldwide icon in the first place- The Memory Librarian serves readers tales grounded in the human trials of identity expression, technology, and love, but also reaching through to the worlds of memory and time within, and the stakes and power that exists there. That was until Jane 57821 decided to remember and break free.Įxpanding from that mythos, these stories fully explore what it’s like to live in such a totalitarian existence…and what it takes to get out of it.

And whether human, A.I., or other, your life and sentience was dictated by those who’d convinced themselves they had the right to decide your fate. Dirty Computer introduced a world in which thoughts-as a means of self-conception-could be controlled or erased by a select few.

Janelle Monáe and an incredible array of talented collaborating creators have written a collection of tales comprising the bold vision and powerful themes that have made Monáe such a compelling and celebrated storyteller. Whoever controls our memories controls the future.

Dawn octavia butler sparknotes