Mira Grant's latest novel takes the concept of memory modification, only recently investigated as a real science and turns it into a thrilling thought experiment. Recent research suggests that gaming could assist in the reduction of traumatic memories and this book flips that. Here, traumatic memories are used in the form of a virtual reality horror film scenario to improve overall psychological health.
We're introduced to the technology by the meeting of Esther (our viewpoint skeptic) and a pair of sisters, who have instilled a family bond by fighting through a horror film together. Esther is understandably skeptic, and volunteers to undergo the process. Jennifer Webb, the head scientist of the project is determined that she should get a favourable review and so jumps into the world with her. The plot then follows her attempt to build a real friendship with Esther by creating an imaginary childhood together.
Then everything goes horribly wrong. You'll have to read the book to see why.
I got through this incredibly quickly. Even as a novella it feels pretty damn short. There's a lot of fun that could be had with horror tropes here, in a similar manner to Cabin in the Woods (also, if you've not seen that, and you have any interest in horror films, shame on you. Go watch it.) Unfortunately, the book doesn't really give the concept the space it needs to breathe. I'd have loved to have seen this at a full novel length, in a much meatier fashion. It is very shallow, and the characters never really show much growth or challenge. Nothing feels real. That could be a very clever intention to match the theme of the book, but I'm not convinced.
It's worth a read for horror fans, just for the slight variation on the usual process, but it's not amazing.
Recommended.
Tagged: Book Horror Horrible humans Novel Print