Longer

by Michael Blumlein

In Longer, Michael Blumlein explores dauntingly epic topics - love, the expanse of the human lifespan, mortality - with a beautifully sharp story that glows with grace and good humor even as it forces us to confront deep, universal fears.

Gunjita and Cav are in orbit.

R&D scientists for pharmaceutical giant Gleem Galactic, they are wealthy enough to participate in rejuvenation: rebooting themselves from old age to jump their bodies back to their twenties. You get two chances. There can never be a third.

After Gunjita has juved for the second and final time and Cav has not, questions of life, death, morality, and test their relationship. Up among the stars, the research possibilities are infinite and first contact is possible, but their marriage may not survive the challenge

• ISBN10: 1250229812
• ISBN13: 9781250229816
• Publish Date: 1 July 2019
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 4 April 2022
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: St Martin's Press
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 240
• Language: English

Reviews

[Quirky Cat]

I received a copy of Longer through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Longer is one of those science fiction novels that'll make you think. More than that, it'll make you feel. I'm not ashamed to admit that Longer made me cry like a baby at times. It cut through me and forced me to view the tale on an emotional level.
This novel follows two scientists – Gunjita and Cav. Both are working on an orbiting space station run by Gleem Galatic. Their both married to their work, and are significantly older than they appear.
But there's so much more going on than that. Gunjita has become rejuvenated in her works, while Cav is drowning in doubt and so many more complicated feelings and emotions. Their journey here will make you question so much about science and life.
In this world people have the option to juve when they hit a certain age. That is, they can set back their biological clocks to a younger version of themselves. The earlier you juve, the more time you've lost. But the later you juve, the riskier it becomes. And one can only juve twice in a lifetime.


Warnings: This is a heavy and beautifully written novel. As such, it does cover some sensitive subjects. Such as human experimentation, and the decision to end one's life.
Longer was a shockingly moving novel. It was beautifully written and contemplated some of the most difficult aspects of human life and nature. All while having very strong science fiction themes throughout.
This novel captivated me from start to finish. And I did admittedly read it all in one sitting – I just couldn't walk away from it. I was tempted to put it down once or twice when I started to cry, but I so desperately had to see it through by that point.
In a way it reminded me of Death of a Salesman, but it had a stronger emotional impact on me. Perhaps it's because I felt connected to both main characters? I connected to Cav more than I ever connected to Willy Lowman. And I'm not ashamed to admit that both sides of the situation made me cry.
I'm still curious about other elements introduced in this novel. Bits and pieces that didn't have direct conclusions or answers. It was intentionally done, and I like that. But I still can't help but wonder...which I'm sure was on purpose.
I loved the debate that was raised in Longer. Subtly at first, but with more and more force as the novel went on. It's something that I've wondered and debated about myself. And I'm sure I'm not the only one. It's a great conversation started, if nothing else.
I still can't get over how much Longer impacted me. It was poignant and beautifully written, and it still took my completely by surprise.


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