A Song for a New Day by Sarah Pinsker
The book A Song for A New Day, which belongs to the post-apocalyptic fiction subgenre, imagines a future in which an epidemic has made us all become separated, which is especially pertinent given the current COVID-19 viral outbreak. There are no longer any major parties, everyone lives a hermit’s life at home, works from home, eats at home, and studies at home. Virtual reality is the norm for leisure.
A Song for a New Day by Sarah Pinsker
50 used from $1.59
Free shipping
Amazon.com
One of the most well-known authors of short speculative fiction is Sarah Pinsker. She has received a lot of recognition for her work and many accolades. I believe her debut novel, A Song for a New Day, is also her first extended work of fiction.
Except for individuals prepared to disobey the law for the love of music—and for one last shot at human connection—public gatherings are forbidden and concerts are impossible after a virus wipes out all human contact.
Luce Cannon was in her element Before, when the government did not forbid sizable public gatherings. She was on the verge of stardom after one of her songs just gained popularity. Now, in the After, fatal illnesses and terrorist acts have prompted the government to outlaw concerts, and Luce’s connection to the outside world—her music, her mission—is permanently severed. She performs in unauthorized performances for a small but devoted audience, always avoiding the law because that’s what she has to do.
Rosemary Laws can hardly recall the period before. She works at Hoodspace throughout the day, assisting clients in placing all of their orders online for drone delivery, eliminating the need for face-to-face interaction. By pure coincidence, she stumbles across a new position and a new calling: finding incredible musicians and bringing their concerts to the public through virtual reality. The only catch is that she’ll have to venture outside and do something she’s never done before. Find the unlawful concerts, and give the performers the recognition they deserve. That won’t be sufficient for her when she realizes how the world might actually be.
