Amnesia
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3.8 • 39 Ratings
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
When Gaby Baillieux releases the Angel Worm into the computers of Australia’s prison system, hundreds of asylum seekers walk free. Worse: an American corporation runs prison security, so the malware infects some 5000 American places of incarceration. Doors spring open. Both countries’ secrets threaten to pour out.
Was this American intrusion a mistake, or had Gaby declared cyberwar on the US? Felix Moore – known to himself as ‘Australia’s last serving left-wing journalist’ – has no doubt that her act was part of the covert conflict between Australia and America. Funded by his property-developer mate Woody Townes, Felix is determined to write Gaby’s biography, to save her, and himself, and maybe his country. But how to get Gaby – on the run, scared, confused, and angry -- to co-operate? And what, after all, does Woody really want?
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Amnesia is a great return to form for the two-time winner of the Man Booker Prize. A sullen young Australian woman—the daughter of a famous actress—is accused of an act of cyberterrorism against the United States. After hitting rock bottom, a disgraced and disheveled journalist who’s declared war on Australia’s political and media behemoth is commissioned to write her biography. Peter Carey’s inventive storyline lets him tackle timely issues, unleash his fiery humour and mold nuanced, entertaining characters that immediately grab your attention.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
From two-time Booker winner Carey comes this complex new novel, focusing on the author's native Australia, but exploring themes of journalistic freedom and Internet ethics. At the center of the book is the young Australian Gabrielle Baillieux, who releases a virus called the Angel Worm in the computer system that controls the Australian prison system, releasing thousands of prisoners throughout Australia and, inadvertently, in the U.S. The move could be construed as an act of terrorism, a bold stroke in the fight for human rights, or just a geeky plan gone awry. Journalist Felix Moore is hired to write Gabrielle's story sympathetically, to avoid her extradition. In the process, he spends time with her mother, the actress Celine Baillieux, whom he had previously known in college. Looking back through the two women's lives, Felix also explores Australia's history since WWII, confusing himself but also educating readers about the Land Down Under. Throughout the book, Carey's cartwheeling prose and dazzling intellect can be challenging to keep up with, but the book is worth the effort.
Customer Reviews
Brilliant
Totally readable and relevant fiction. This novel is wonderfully Australian and carries its pertinent messages so wryly.