A Memory Called Empire

A Memory Called Empire is a 2019 science fiction novel, the debut novel by Arkady Martine. It follows Mahit Dzmare, the ambassador from Lsel Station to the Teixcalaanli Empire, as she investigates the death of her predecessor and the instabilities that underpin that society. The book won the 2020 Hugo Award for Best Novel.[1]

A Memory Called Empire
Cover art for A Memory Called Empire
AuthorArkady Martine
LanguageEnglish
GenreScience fiction
PublisherTor Books
Publication date
26 March 2019
Media typePrint, ebook
Pages462 (Hardcover)
ISBN978-1250186430
Websitehttps://www.arkadymartine.net/teixcalaan-memory

Synopsis

When the Teixcalaanli Empire asks that Yskander Aghavn, the ambassador from Lsel Station, be replaced, Lsel sends Mahit Dzmare — who, like Yskander, is a devotee of Teixcalaanli culture. Mahit secretly has within her brain an "imago machine" with a recording of Yskander's memories and consciousness so that he may guide her; however, shortly after their arrival on Teixcalaan, the machine malfunctions, and Yskander no longer responds. With the aid of her cultural liaison Three Seagrass and Imperial advisor Nineteen Adze, Mahit discovers the connections between the original Yskander's death and the looming Teixcalaanli succession crisis — and the threat of a civil war, in which Lsel Station could be a target for annexation.

Major themes

In the New York Times, Amal el-Mohtar reported that the novel explores the intersection between our past and future selves. It looks at language, grammar, and custom, things that are intertwined with the politics of conquest and the broader culture.[2]

The Verge observed that the book discusses how institutional memory guides society and shapes politics, and provides insight into the ideas of conquest and colonialism by comparing the different worldviews of the expansion-minded Teixcalaanli Empire and the fiercely independent Lsel Stationers.[3] Tor.com emphasised the degree to which Mahit is perceived as a "barbarian" by the Teixcalaanli.[4]

Reception

The novel received positive reviews from critics. Publishers Weekly gave the novel a starred review, calling it a "gorgeously crafted space opera" and praising the book's worldbuilding and backstory.[5] Kirkus Reviews called the novel "a confident beginning" and compared it positively to the works of Ann Leckie and Yoon Ha Lee.[6] A reviewer for The New York Times called the novel "a mesmerizing debut, sharp as a knife."[2] Andrew Liptak called it "an excellent, gripping novel with a brisk plot, outstanding characters, and plenty to think about long after it’s over."[3] A reviewer for Tor.com called it "a stunning debut", praising its worldbuilding, characterization, and subtlety.[4] The novel is the 2020 Compton Crook award winner. [7]

The novel won the 2020 Hugo Award for Best Novel,[8] and was a finalist for the Nebula Award for Best Novel of 2019.[9]

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References
  1. "2020 Hugo Awards". August 1, 2020.
  2. Amal El-Mohtar (29 May 2019). "Got Any Time-Travel Plans This Summer". Retrieved 5 Jan 2020.
  3. Andrew Liptak (18 May 2019). "A Memory Called Empire is a brilliant blend of cyberpunk, space opera, and political thriller". The Verge. Retrieved 5 Jan 2020.
  4. Martin Cahill (26 Mar 2019). "A Stunning Debut: Arkady Martine's A Memory Called Empire". Tor.com. Retrieved 5 Jan 2020.
  5. "Fiction Book Review: A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine". Publishers Weekly. 19 November 2018.
  6. "A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine". Kirkus Reviews. 21 Jan 2019.
  7. https://www.balticon.org/wp54/2020-compton-crook-award/
  8. 2020 Hugo Awards, at TheHugoAwards.org; retrieved June 5, 2020
  9. "2019 Nebula Award Finalists Announced". Science Fiction Writers Association. SFWA. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
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