How High We Go in the Dark by  Sequoia Nagamatsu

How High We Go in the Dark

Sequoia Nagamatsu

Spanning thousands of years and numerous and diverse locations, this is the story of a deadly virus and its implications for the future of the human race. Told through a myriad of inter-linked stories which are at times tender, often desperately sad and always dark and probing, this novel explores death and grief and our responsibilities for one another and our planet.

Extract

They burned incense and held each other and cried while gazing at photos of their relatives. I bowed my head in respect. Once upon a time this was how we dealt with death. But something snapped in us when the dead could no longer be contained, when people didn't really get to say goodbye. Cryogenic suspension companies proliferated, death hotels, services that preserved and posed your loved ones in fun positions, travel companies that promised a 'natural' getaway with your recently departed.

Parallels
  • Station 11 by Emily St. John Mandel
  • I Robot by Isaac Asimov
  • Interstellar - the film