Silent And Very Fast

Author: Catherynne M. Valente

Okay, I admit to doing a Lance Armstrong here. I've put a novella on the list. But this novella by Catherynne M. Valente is so beautifully, poetically written, with such haunting and poignant scenarios, and with such intelligent themes, that I don't care if I have to cheat. This novella traverses the genres of myth, fairytale, hard science fiction, and robotics. And it's also fucking awesome to see a female write such an inspiring piece of robot fiction, a domain usually dominated by men. Told from the point of view from the artificial intelligence being, Elefsis, a machine entity, haunts Neva and her family (including Neva's great, great, grandmother, a programmer who changed the world). Neva and Elefsis begin a hesitant, uneasy relationship, learning about their history and their future, together. Strong themes of intelligence, morality and self-awareness are raised, with the gorgeous fairytale and mythological feel permeating the story's background. My only warning is not to go into this story expecting a fairytale ending. Published both in hardcover, and serialized by Clakesworld Magazine, the novella received the following accolades: 2011 Nebula Award Nominee for Best Novella, 2012 Hugo Award Nominee for Best Novella, 2012 Locus Award Winner for Best Novella, 2012 Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award Finalist, and 2012 World Fantasy Award Nominee for Best Novella.