Tomorrow and Tomorrow

Tomorrow and Tomorrow follows Drake Merlin, a musician who takes extraordinary measures to save his wife Ana from an incurable brain condition in the early 21st century. When medical science fails them, Drake arranges for both himself and Ana to be cryogenically preserved, hoping future generations will discover a cure. Drake prepares meticulously for his journey through time by becoming the leading expert on the musicians of his era, ensuring future historians will have reason to revive him. His strategic planning pays off when he is first awakened in 2512, though a cure for Ana remains elusive. The narrative spans vast periods as Drake moves through increasingly distant future epochs, experiencing dramatic transformations in human civilization while maintaining his singular focus on saving Ana. Each awakening brings him into contact with radically different versions of humanity and new technological possibilities. The novel explores themes of devotion, identity, and the nature of consciousness against the backdrop of humanity's evolution through deep time. Through Drake's persistence across eons, the story examines what truly endures when everything familiar has transformed beyond recognition.

Readers call this hard science fiction novel thought-provoking but dense. On review sites, fans noted the meticulous research behind the cryogenics and medical science aspects. Readers appreciated: - The scientific accuracy and technical detail - Complex plot structure across multiple time periods - Character development of protagonist Drake Merlin - Exploration of immortality and consciousness themes Common criticisms: - Slow pacing, especially in middle sections - Too much technical exposition - Some found emotional elements lacking - Abrupt ending Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (342 ratings) Amazon: 3.9/5 (21 ratings) Notable reader comments: "The science feels real but sometimes overwhelms the story" - Goodreads reviewer "Great ideas about consciousness and identity, but needed more emotional connection" - Amazon reviewer "First third hooked me, middle dragged, ending disappointed" - SF Reviews forum member

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🔹 The author, Charles Sheffield, held a doctorate in physics and worked as chief scientist of Earth Satellite Corporation before becoming a full-time writer. 🔹 Cryogenic preservation, a key element in the novel, was first proposed in 1962 by physics professor Robert Ettinger in his influential book "The Prospect of Immortality." 🔹 The book's premise parallels the real-life case of James Bedford, who in 1967 became the first person to be cryogenically preserved and remains in that state today. 🔹 Sheffield wrote this novel during a deeply personal period, shortly after losing his first wife to brain cancer in 1977, lending authentic emotional depth to Drake's motivation. 🔹 The novel won the 1997 John W. Campbell Memorial Award for Best Science Fiction Novel, one of the genre's most prestigious honors.