Version Control

Reading a book about the possibilities of time travel and changing history is pretty appealing after January 2017. Oh, if only... Not my normal reading fare, I really loved this book! Set in the near future, physicist Phillip manages to create a machine that enables time travel... or does it? The backdrop of his complex relationship with his wife is just icing on this already delicious cake. For a book I didn't much want to read, about things I'm not usually excited about, Palmer's take on science, history, work, time, sacrifice, obligation, and love, pretty much had me at hello.  Recommended By Dianah H., Powells.com

An NPR, San Francisco Chronicle, GQ, Vox, and Buzzfeed Best Book of the Year
One of The Washington Post’s best science fiction and fantasy books of the year

Although Rebecca Wright has pieced her life back together after a major tragedy, she can’t shake a sense that the world around her feels off-kilter. Meanwhile, her husband’s dedication to his invention, “the causality violation device” (which he would greatly prefer you not call a time machine) has effectively stalled his career—but he may be closer to success than either of them can possibly imagine. Emotionally powerful and wickedly intelligent, Version Control is a stunningly prescient novel about the effects of science and technology on our lives, our friendships, and our sense of self that will alter the way you see the future—and the present.

“One of 2016’s best science fiction novels.... Version Control should be on the reading list of every fan of smart sci-fi.” GQ

“With time travel as a fascinating backdrop, Palmer delicately examines the layers of stories we create when trying to differentiate ‘the information from the truth.’” The Washington Post

“Exhilarating.... A thoughtful, powerful overhaul of the age-old time travel tale.” NPR

Dexter Palmer’s first novel, The Dream of Perpetual Motion, was selected as one of the best fiction debuts of 2010 by Kirkus Reviews. Palmer lives in Princeton, New Jersey.