The Peripheral

Gibson's (Neuromancer) latest work is a story of colliding worlds and twisted time travel, accomplished with a split narrative. In the near future, Flynne Fisher lives in an area of rural America where there are few jobs, distant wars, and plenty of wounded veterans. In a more distant future, publicist Wilf Netherton resides in bleak London in a world where few beyond the rich survived the apocalyptic "jackpot," and there are avatars or surrogates called peripherals, genetically engineered androids—or bodies—for hire. The two worlds are linked through data-based time travel, and as it progresses, the tale takes on aspects of a technothriller. The technobabble is a part of the setting of this cautionary, intriguing, fast-paced story. Lorelei King provides a strong narration, handling the accents of various characters with aplomb.