I never set out to be a sci-fi author. I didn’t even realise that my book fell into that genre (or ‘soft sci-fi’ to be more specific) until I’d finished writing it. I think the main reason is because as much as there are sci-fi elements, it’s not really what the story is about. And yet, frustratingly, I know there are so many readers who won’t pick it up simply because it’s sci-fi. It is such a huge umbrella of a category to dismiss – and there are so many incredible books that fall under it, sometimes unexpectedly. Never judge a book by its genre!
I wrote...
The Girl With The Green Eyes
By
J.M. Briscoe
What is my book about?
Bella is defective. You need to take her back. Nine-year-old Bella D’accourt has always known she was different; she was born into a controversial ‘designer baby’ eugenic programme; difference is in her DNA. Bella has been designed to be exceptionally beautiful, but when she uses her sadistic, manipulative charm to seriously injure another child, her mother brings her back to her creators and demands they "fix her." Thus begins Bella’s new life among scientists and other eugenic Subjects at the mysterious Aspira Research Centre in Cumbria. But an enemy lurks in the shining laboratories set among idyllic mountains; an obsessive, murderous enemy who will, years later, drive Bella into a desperate cat-and-mouse chase across the country.
Long-listed for The Bridport Prize 2020. Part one of Take Her Back trilogy.
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The Books I Picked & Why
The Time Traveler's Wife
By
Audrey Niffenegger
Why this book?
This is always the first book which springs to mind when I try to explain the concept of ‘sci-fi which doesn’t feel like sci-fi.' Despite the whole plot hinging on time travel – an unequivocally sci-fi concept – The Time Traveller’s Wife is essentially a love story. I like the way the plot segues between multiple timelines (which feels like it should be confusing but really isn’t) and the real-world challenges faced by the characters. It’s one of those books which sounds like it should be far more complicated than it actually is, which makes it a perfect read for those craving escape, adventure, and a hearty dose of romance.
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The Midnight Library
By
Matt Haig
Why this book?
Another non-typical sci-fi read, The Midnight Library is a book that everyone seems to be talking about right now. I think one of the reasons why this book became such a hit is because the concept of a personal ‘limbo’ library where each book represents a different life choice is one that speaks to us all. So simple, so clever. I liked the characters, loved the plot, and found it incredibly thought-provoking without being too complicated. But I think the thing I enjoyed the most is the fact that the theme of All The Big Life Questions is so forefront, you almost forget that it’s all anchored in a science fiction concept. It almost feels like sci-fi by stealth.
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Never Let Me Go
By
Kazuo Ishiguro
Why this book?
When it came to categorising my book, I remember Googling the genre for Never Let Me Go and having a bit of a light-bulb moment when it came up as ‘soft sci-fi.' I read this book several years ago and yet it has always stuck with me, particularly the coming-of-age storyline of the characters from children to adults set within an ultimately horrifying reality. There is something so poignantly spine-chilling about a reality where controversial scientific practices are not only sanctioned but have become the norm – it really makes you think about the definition and the deniability of humanity.
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The Hunger Games
By
Suzanne Collins
Why this book?
I love The Hunger Games series – both the books and the films, and I also love the fact that due to its popularity it is one of the easiest examples of a fictional world where sci-fi is beside the point. Dystopia, young adult, adventure, romance – in a way, all of these genres take precedence before you think of sci-fi with The Hunger Games. Another aspect that sets the series apart from its genre is the main character herself. In Katniss we have a strong, female protagonist whose charm stems from everything which makes her awkward, relatable, and vulnerable. She’s a very real-world character set in a far-from-real world.
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Piranesi
By
Susanna Clarke
Why this book?
Another recent bestseller, Piranesi didn’t, for me, immediately scream sci-fi so much as fantasy, mythology, and magical realism. Without giving away too many spoilers, I like the fact that the fantastical elements of this book start out all-encompassing and are then almost filtered by the journey of the main character as he navigates his reality. The sci-fi aspect stems from the revelation of this reality and so it does almost creep up on you – a book unlike any other and well worth a read.
