This remarkable novel is about the effects of a new communications technology, Air, that works without power lines or machines.

As pervasive technology ensures the rapid spread of pop culture and information access, few corners of the planet remain untouched. One of those few is Kizuldah, Karzistan - a tiny rice-farming village, predominantly Chinese Buddhist but with a strong Muslim presence, among whom sharply intelligent though illiterate Mae Chung, a self-styled fashion expert guiding the village women in dress, make-up and hairstyling, is an informal leader.

When the UN decides to test the radical new technology Air, Mae is boiling laundry and chatting with elderly Mrs Tung. The massive surge of Air energy swamps them, and when the test is finished, Mrs Tung is dead, and Mae has absorbed her 90 years of memories. Rocked by the unexpected deaths and disorientation, the UN delays fully implementing Air, but Mae sees at once that her way of life is ending. Half-mad, struggling with information overload, the resentment of much of the village, and a complex family situation, she works fiercely to learn what she needs to ride the tiger of change.

Geoff Ryman's triumphant return to science fiction is a powerful, evocative story of information technology and world change

About the Author
Geoff Ryman was born in Canada and now lives and works in London.

Reviews
"One of recent science fiction's acknowledged masterworks. Enthralling." -- Matt Coward * Morning Star *


Awards
Winner of Arthur C. Clarke Award 2006 (UK) and British Science Fiction Association Award for Best Novel 2006 (UK). Short-listed for John W Campbell Award 2005 (UK) and Philip K. Dick Award 2005 (UK).



Book Information
ISBN 9780575078116
Author Geoff Ryman
Format Paperback
Page Count 400
Imprint Gollancz
Publisher Orion Publishing Co
Weight(grams) 374g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 178mm * 32mm