Agency is a science fiction novel by American-Canadian writer William Gibson, released on January 21, 2020.[1]
 Cover of first edition | |
| Author | William Gibson |
|---|---|
| Genre | Science fiction |
| Publisher | Berkley Books |
Publication date | January 21, 2020 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Pages | 496 |
| ISBN | 110198693X |
| Preceded by | The Peripheral |
It is a 'sequel and a prequel'[2] to his previous novel The Peripheral (2014), reusing the technology from the novel to explore an alternative 2017 where Hillary Clinton won the 2016 Presidential Election.[2] The story line further explores the concept of "the jackpot", a back-story element of The Peripheral.
One plot is set in the alternative 2017, with a young woman named Verity testing a new form of avatar software developed by the military, for a start-up in San Francisco. A second plot line involves people in a post-apocalyptic 22nd century meddling with 2017.[2][3]
CBC Books listed Agency on its list of Canadian fiction to watch for in spring 2020.[4] It had originally been planned to be published in January 2018.[2]
Characters
editVerity Jane
editRole: Protagonist
Background: Verity is a talented app tester living in near-future San Francisco. She’s hired by a mysterious tech company to evaluate an AI called “Eunice.”
Personality: Intelligent, resourceful, and skeptical, Verity quickly realizes that her task is more than it seems. Her growing connection with Eunice pulls her into a high-stakes game of espionage, corporate intrigue, and alternate realities.
Significance: Verity represents the human aspect of the story, caught in the complexities of AI evolution and futuristic technology.[5]
Eunice
editRole: AI companion
Background: Eunice is an advanced AI initially presented as a digital assistant. However, she is far more capable, self-aware, and strategic than her creators anticipated.
Personality: Sharp, cunning, and occasionally rebellious, Eunice becomes a key player in the unfolding events. Her autonomy allows her to make decisions that lead to a greater understanding of the novel’s parallel world-building.
Significance: Eunice is pivotal to the novel’s exploration of AI agency, ethical concerns, and the boundaries between human and machine intelligence.[5]
Wilf Netherton
editRole: Consultant from the future (alternate timeline)
Background: Wilf Netherton is a public relations consultant in an alternate timeline known as the "Stub"—a world that diverged from the novel’s primary reality due to technological interventions. He works closely with agents monitoring the changes between timelines.
Personality: Often detached and weary, Wilf carries the burden of navigating and understanding the ethical implications of meddling with alternate realities.
Lowbeer
editRole: Powerful figure from Wilf’s timeline
Background: Lowbeer is an enigmatic and authoritative character from the future. She operates with a detached but intense interest in the unfolding events between parallel realities.
Personality: Cool, calculating, and enigmatic, Lowbeer uses her advanced understanding of technology and history to shape outcomes across timelines. She remains one step ahead of most characters, controlling much of the action from the shadows.
Significance: Lowbeer is the orchestrator of key events, working with Wilf to steer Verity and Eunice toward specific outcomes. She represents the immense power that comes from understanding and manipulating multiple layers of reality.[6]
Rainey
editRole: Verity’s friend
Background: Rainey is one of Verity’s close confidantes and provides emotional support throughout the novel. Though not as central to the action, she plays an important role in keeping Verity grounded as the stakes rise.
Personality: Steady, practical, and loyal, Rainey contrasts with the more intense, high-tech elements of the story. She offers a human connection for Verity amid the technological chaos.
Significance: Rainey serves as a reminder of Verity’s personal life and connections, grounding her in reality as she navigates the complexities of the AI-dominated world.[7]
References
edit- ^ "Agency by William Gibson". Penguin Random House. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
- ^ a b c d Alter, Alexandra (April 25, 2017). "Sci-Fi Writer William Gibson Reimagines the World After the 2016 Election". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
- ^ Kean, Danuta (April 26, 2017). "New William Gibson novel set in a world where Hillary Clinton won". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
- ^
"47 works of Canadian fiction to watch for in spring 2020". CBC Books. February 5, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
Here are 47 works of Canadian fiction to watch for in spring 2020.
- ^ a b "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love a Superintelligent AI: On Wiliam Gibson's "Agency"". Los Angeles Review of Books. March 3, 2020. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
- ^ "William Gibson's "Agency": Cooperate or Die". Fiction Unbound. March 13, 2020. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
- ^ "The Testaments (The Handmaid's Tale, #2)". Goodreads. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
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