Lust: Or No Harm Done

I just finished reading this book and was completely in awe of the depth of the psychology and the feelings and inner workings of the mind of the main character partcularly but also to the people he interacts with. This is a highly compelling story that I was very much excited to pick up at each sitting... yet it is also languid and heady. I do not feel the title presents this book well, as it is about far more than lust; it is about understanding and searching for yourself and finding it through interacting with others - in this case apparitions that are willed into existence by the protagonist. A fascinating read that I may say is the best book I have ever read in regards to illustrating the inner workings of the mind and inner dialogue we all have inside.

Imagine discovering that you have the power to create a temporary copy of anyone in the world alive or dead-and they will be yours to command. You can make them desire you, work for you, tell you their deepest, darkest secrets. What would you do with such a gift? Or is it a curse? This has become the reality for Michael Blasco, a mild-mannered research scientist. When he first conjures up a copy of his hunky gym instructor on a train platform, Michael fears for his sanity. He quickly realizes, however, that the copies are every bit as real as the original, complete with intelligence and awareness-at least while they exist. With just a thought, Michael can end their existence as easily as he brought them into being. Once they are gone, nothing remains of them except Michael's memories. While he first sees it all as a sort of game for his own amusement, as time goes on, Michael begins to wonder why he has this strange ability. The book takes a more serious turn as Michael searches for answers and explores the morality of the situation. What at first seems to be a wet-dream come true gradually turns into a nightmare as Michael realizes that there are consequences to his actions with the copies. His long-term relationship is crumbling, he neglects his research project, the originals seem to retain some memory of what their copies do, and not all copies appreciate being brought back from the dead. Lust is an amazingly original and thought-provoking concept. It could have turned into a prurient tale in the hands of a lesser author, but Geoff Ryman's strong writing more than pulls it off. The story both entertains and causes us to think about the consequences of our actions. I had a little trouble getting into Ryman's style, but about a third of the way into the book it really takes off and I was left holding on for the rest of the ride. Ryman brings historic and well-known characters to life with shocking plausibility. I especially enjoyed the visits from Billie Holiday and Pablo Picasso. Knowing a bit about both of them, I believe Ryman truly caught their spirit in their portrayals. Once you adjust to his style, Ryman's writing is simply stunning. His word-pictures are so accurate and vibrant that you feel as if you are seeing the story instead of just reading it. In turns humorous and touching, the book brings everything together by the end for a wonderfully satisfying read. I highly recommend this book.

This is one of the most original stories I read in a long time -- more so because it was written in a conversational, non-preachy stream-of-consciousness which somehow involves the reader.The book raises questions about Messianic possibilities and the excruciatingly painful stings of humiliations due to missed opportunities and lost chances. The book realistically investigates Michael Blasco's "gift" and how even the possession of such a gift can still make one lonely, wanting and unfulfilled. The author seems to know the nuances and ramifications of love in its glory and loss at its most heart-rending.The book has a lot of heart and a wry sense of humor and it ended with wise authority. I thought the conjuring of Billie Holiday and Pablo Picasso were original (I had fun reading Billie's envy to Ella Fitzgerald and how Teddy Wilson hated her and quickened the tempo of "What A Little Moonlight Can Do") and inspired.Although the vivid descriptions of same sex copulations are an acquired taste, one can't help but laugh at Ryman's descriptions and comparisons to animals. His perspicacity in observing humans and how their faces express many telling things gave this book its deserved excellence and timelessness.

What an interesting book! What a concept - a gay scientist can materialise any person he wills - for conversation and/or sex! When I commenced it I was aware that the author had written a cyber-novel, and my initial feeling was that this novel was written in a fashion dictated by the internet - short sentences, single and simple ideas. But no - complexity gained with each page, and fairly early on the writer showed depth, a marvellous eye for character and detail, a great sense of humour, and an ability to halt any wandering mind with a sentence that captures a sentiment so expressively that the mental jaw drops in mid-read - "It was going to be tiring living with someone who went straight to the truth without passing GO first" (from memory - forgive me, GR, if wrong). The 'scientific breakthrough' at the end seems initially out-of-place - but it does indeed work, to tie the novel together and allow it and the dear protaginist to move forward. Recommended as a quirky and unusual read that will have you recalling it fondly days afterwards.

Just finished in two sittings and could not put it down. What a great idea for a book, and the science end of it is fascinating. At times funny others sad it comes to a wonderful conclusion. And you know no one has to die. What a refreshing novel. I would recommend anything by this author.