The Speed of Dark

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The Speed of Dark
Cover of first edition (paperback)
Author	Elizabeth Moon
Country	United States
Language	English
Genre(s)	Science fiction novel
Publisher	Orbit Books
Publication date	2002
Media type	Print (Hardcover & Paperback)
ISBN	ISBN 1-841-49141-1

The Speed of Dark is a near-future science fiction novel by American author Elizabeth Moon, first published as a paperback in 2002. The story is told from the first person viewpoint of an autistic process analyst. It won the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 2003, and was also an Arthur C. Clarke Award finalist.

[edit] Plot summary

Lou is a bioinformatics specialist, and high-functioning autistic, who has made a good life for himself. A new manager at the firm where he works puts pressure on the department where many autistic people work. Lou is pressured to undergo an experimental treatment that might "cure" his autism. Lou does not think he needs curing, but he risks losing his job and other accommodations the company has put in place for its autistic employees.

Lou struggles with the idea of going through this "treatment" for his autism while he pursues fencing with "normal" friends and continues to go to work. His autistic friends, as well as himself, meet together after work and discuss what or what not to do.

Preceded by American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Nebula Award for Best Novel 2003

Succeeded by Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold