Title: Exploring Reality and Impossibilities in When We Were Real
When I first stumbled upon When We Were Real by Daryl Gregory, I was immediately intrigued by the blend of whimsy and existential inquiry hinted at in its premise. A kooky road trip set in a Matrix-like world? Count me in! As a long-time admirer of Gregory’s ability to navigate various genres with flair, I approached this novel with enthusiasm and a sense of curious wonder.
Set seven years after the earth-shattering Announcement that we’re all living in a simulation, When We Were Real invites readers on an eccentric journey with a ragtag group of characters who are anything but ordinary. Each character, playfully labeled—like THE ENGINEER, THE COMIC BOOK WRITER, and THE TOUR GUIDE—serves as a digital avatar in this surreal universe. While at times I found the character roster a tad overwhelming (twenty folks can feel like a lot to juggle), it’s this very quirkiness that brings the story to life.
As we follow Canterbury Trails’ bus tour of the so-called "Impossibles"—strange attractions left in the wake of the Announcement—I couldn’t help but reflect on the book’s deeper philosophical themes. Gregory adeptly questions what it means to be “real” and whether concepts like life and death hold any weight in a simulated existence. The friendship between JP, THE ENGINEER, and Dulin, THE COMIC BOOK WRITER, struck a chord with me; their clever banter and mutual understanding underscored the value of connection, even in a world that often feels artificial.
Gregory’s humor, naturally, is a standout feature. I appreciated the witty dialogue and the endless amusements springing from the characters’ interactions—especially THE INFLUENCER, whose social media antics brought an amusing, modern twist to the narrative. Quotes about navigating life in a digital landscape resonated with me, blurring the lines between virtual experiences and the human condition. For instance, “If this is a simulation, how could Lisa Marie become pregnant?” highlighted that familiar tension between our digital identities and our very real emotions.
Yet, the novel isn’t without its hiccups. At 464 pages, I felt it could be trimmed down; certain tangents felt indulgent and slowed the pacing. And while the intrigue surrounding Gillian, who is on the run from the Protagonists, had me on the edge of my seat, the fragmented backstory left me somewhat puzzled. By the time I reached the conclusion, I was hoping for a little more closure, a denouement that wrapped everything up neatly, but instead I was left pondering and feeling a tad underwhelmed.
All that said, I can’t help but feel grateful for the experience of reading When We Were Real. It’s a refreshingly original take on the sci-fi genre, brimming with thoughtful insights and laugh-out-loud moments. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys deeply philosophical narratives peppered with humor and oddball charm. If you’ve ever questioned the nature of reality or simply love an engaging road trip filled with colorful characters, this quirky adventure is definitely for you. It certainly left me with a myriad of thoughts about existence and connection, a true testament to Gregory’s imaginative storytelling.
So, take a seat on the bus—no matter where it leads, I promise it’ll be a ride worth taking!