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=                           Speed_of_Dark                            =
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                            Introduction
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'Speed of Dark' (released in some markets as 'The Speed of Dark') is a
near-future science fiction novel by American author Elizabeth Moon.
The story is told from the first person viewpoint of an autistic
person. It won the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 2003, and was also
an Arthur C. Clarke Award finalist.


                            Plot summary
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Lou Arrendale is a bioinformatics specialist who is autistic, and has
made a good life for himself working in pattern recognition. A new
manager at the firm where he works puts pressure on his department,
where many autistic people work. Lou is pressured to undergo an
experimental treatment that might "cure" his autism. Lou does not
think he needs curing, but he risks losing his job and other
accommodations the company has put in place for its autistic employees
if he does not undergo it.

Lou struggles with the idea of going through this "treatment" for his
autism while he pursues fencing with his "normal" friends and
continues to go to work. His autistic friends, as well as himself,
meet together after work and discuss what or what not to do.


                             Reception
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'Speed of Dark' was released to high praise from reviewers. 'SF Site'
stated that "At worst, 'Speed of Dark' is a magnificent character
study. At best, it's the most powerful book you'll read this year",
and 'Infinity Plus' described it as "one of those exceptionally rare
novels that have the power to alter one's entire worldview, and
reading it is a profoundly rewarding and enriching experience."

Jacek Dukaj reviewed it for Polish magazine Nowa Fantastyka.


                           External links
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* [http://www.elizabethmoon.com/books-nonseries.html#speed 'Speed of
Dark' at the official Elizabeth Moon website]


License
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License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
Original Article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_of_Dark