REVIEW: Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon

Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon
Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Orbit (7 Nov 2002)
ISBN-10: 1841491411
ISBN-13: 978-1841491417
Reviewer: Cara
Copy: Bought online

From the back of the book:
Lou is different to ‘normal’ people. He interacts with the world in a way they do not understand. He might not see the things they see, but he also sees many things they do not. Lou is autistic.

One of his skills is an ability to find patterns in data: extraordinary, complex, beautiful patterns that not even the most powerful computers can comprehend. The company he works for has made considerable sums of money from Lou’s work. But now they want Lou to change – to become ‘normal’ like themselves. And he must face the greatest challenge of his life. To understand the speed of dark.

This is a surprisingly powerful novel, one that gives the reader considerable insight into what it might be like to be autistic. Told in the first person, we learn about Lou’s life in detail; his work, his friends, his routine, his likes and dislikes, his coping mechanisms, his hopes and fears, his extraordinary ability to see patterns. Lou is a fascinating character, unique, complex and very endearing. His quiet and orderly life is disrupted when a new senior manager, Crenshaw, arrives at his workplace and wants to change things. This is closely followed by Lou receiving a clipping of a journal article about research on reversal of autistic-like symptoms in adult primates. The two events are not unrelated and ultimately Lou has to make the decision: should he undergo the treatment to become ‘normal’.

The supporting cast in Speed of Dark provide context to Lou’s narration. His work colleagues, Cameron, Linda, Dale, Bailey, Chuy and Eric are also autistic and have their own issues, but they are supportive of each other in their own individual ways. Pete Aldrin is their sympathetic manager who goes up against Crenshaw to protect their working environment. Outside of work, Lou has his own social life, centred around his fencing group. He keeps this activity secret from his psychiatrist, Dr Fornum

“because she would worry about violent tendencies. If laser-tag was enough to bother her, long pointed swords would send her into a panic.”

At the fencing group is Marjory, the woman Lou hopes will one day be his girlfriend, another secret he keeps from Dr Fornum. Marjory is a key figure in the book, as is Tom, the fencing group leader who is a real friend to Lou, one of the few ‘normal’ people who truly accepts him for who he is. I really liked Tom and he remained consistent in his support and respect for Lou right through to the end. Another member of the fencing group is Don, a nasty piece of work.

What is so fascinating about Speed of Dark is the detailed insight into Lou’s thought processes. There is little plot as such, but this does not really matter as instead we get a full picture of a man with autism who has a decision to make. Lou knows what is expected of him and he plays this game very well, hiding his real feelings, though we know his inner dialogue through his narration.

“I try so hard and it is still not working. I wear the same clothes as the others. I say the same words at the same times: good morning, hi, how are you, I’m fine, good night, please, thank you, you’re welcome, no thank you, not right now. I obey traffic the laws; I obey the rules. I have ordinary furniture in my apartment, and I play my unusual music very softly, or use headphones. But it is not enough. Even as hard as I try, the real people still want me to change, to be like them.”

Lou isn’t dangerous or deviant just different. Like all of us, he just wants to be accepted for who he is. For me, acceptance of difference is the theme of the novel. Why should he be pressured to undergo experimental treatment so that he fits into what society deems ‘normal’? And what is ‘normal’ anyway? Lou is clearly a genius, and his mental exploration into the speed of dark (as opposed to the speed of light) was very well done and added to the complexity of the character.

Speed of Dark is written in the present tense, possibly to avoid giving away the ending. I enjoyed reading about Lou’s daily activities and interactions, all of which contributes to the decision he finally reaches about the medical treatment. This works very well, giving us a thorough understanding of what it is like to live in Lou’s world and the difficulties he faces. What I was disappointed in is the ending… it feels rushed and incomplete. Despite this, I know I will return to Speed of Dark as I think a further reading of the book will give me more insight into why Lou chose the path he did.

Plot: 7
Characters: 9
Style: 8

Rating: 8/10