The Speed of Dark

Speed of Dark

Cover of (paperback)
Author	Elizabeth Moon
Country	United States
Language	English
Genre	Science fiction
Publisher	Orbit Books
Publication date	2002
Media type	Print (hardback & paperback)
ISBN
OCLC	50526588

Speed of Dark (released in some markets as The Speed of Dark) is a near-future science fiction novel by American author Elizabeth Moon. 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.

Lou Arrendale 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.

Speed of Dark was released to high praise from reviewers. SF Site stated that "At worst, Speed of Dark is a magnificent character study. At best, it's the most powerful book you'll read this year," and Infinity Plus review described it as "one of those exceptionally rare novels that has the power to alter one's entire worldview, and reading it is a profoundly rewarding and enriching experience."