Body of Glass

In a future divided between corporate enclaves and lawless zones, scientist Shira Shipman returns to her childhood home after losing custody of her son. Her grandmother tasks her with protecting an artificial being named Yod, created to defend their free Jewish town of Tikva against external threats. The narrative moves between two timelines - Shira's present-day work with Yod, and the historical tale of the Golem of Prague in 1600s Europe. Both stories explore the relationship between creators and their artificial creations, as well as questions of identity and belonging. The world of the novel is one where powerful corporations control most resources and technology, while independent communities struggle to maintain autonomy. Tikva's residents must balance preservation of their traditions with the need to innovate and defend themselves. This science fiction novel examines timeless themes of what makes us human, the nature of consciousness, and how communities resist domination. Through parallel storylines spanning centuries, it connects Jewish mysticism with artificial intelligence while exploring gender roles and power structures.

Readers describe Body of Glass (also published as He, She and It) as a thought-provoking cyberpunk novel that explores gender roles, artificial intelligence, and Jewish mysticism. Readers appreciate: - The parallel storytelling between future and past timelines - Complex female characters and relationships - Integration of Jewish folklore and golem mythology - Examination of corporate power and environmental themes - Detailed world-building without excessive exposition Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the first third - Dense political/philosophical discussions that interrupt flow - Some readers found the romance elements unconvincing - Multiple storylines can be difficult to follow Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (180+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "Combines cyberpunk with feminism in ways that still feel relevant" -Goodreads reviewer "The environmental and corporate dystopia feels more prophetic each year" -Amazon review "Too much time spent on relationship drama instead of the sci-fi elements" -LibraryThing review

The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin This novel explores gender, society, and human connection through the lens of an alien culture, much like Piercy's examination of artificial beings and humanity.

Dawn by Octavia Butler The story centers on genetic manipulation and the boundaries between human and alien life forms as humanity faces extinction.

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro The narrative examines artificial intelligence, consciousness, and what it means to be human from the perspective of an artificial being.

The Female Man by Joanna Russ Four parallel worlds showcase different possibilities for women's roles in society, combining feminist themes with science fiction.

Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie The book follows an artificial intelligence inhabiting a human body while exploring consciousness, gender, and identity in a far-future society.

🤖 Published in 1991, Body of Glass was released in the UK under the title He, She and It - both titles cleverly reflect the book's exploration of the boundaries between human and artificial life. 💭 Author Marge Piercy drew inspiration from Jewish folklore, specifically the legend of the Golem of Prague, weaving it together with cyberpunk themes to create a unique parallel narrative. 🌍 The novel won the Arthur C. Clarke Award in 1993, one of science fiction's most prestigious honors, for its profound exploration of gender roles, environmental destruction, and artificial intelligence. 📚 The book's futuristic setting features corporate-controlled "multis" (massive enclosed cities), making it an early example of the now-popular corporate dystopia subgenre. 💫 Piercy spent three years researching artificial intelligence and cybernetics while writing the novel, consulting with computer scientists and roboticists to ensure scientific accuracy in her portrayal of the cyborg character Yod.