Amnesia

Journalist Felix Moore receives an assignment to investigate and write about Gaby Baillieux, a young Australian hacker who has released a powerful computer virus. The virus, initially meant to open Australian prison doors, spreads unexpectedly to facilities in the United States, creating an international incident. The narrative connects multiple historical events in Australian history, including the 1942 Battle of Brisbane and the controversial 1975 dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. These connections reveal patterns of political manipulation and foreign intervention in Australian affairs spanning several decades. At its core, Amnesia explores the complex relationship between Australia and the United States, examining questions of national sovereignty and digital warfare in the modern age. The novel challenges readers to consider how past events shape current political dynamics and the role of technology in contemporary forms of resistance.

Readers found the book challenging to follow, with multiple narrative threads and timeline shifts that some called "confusing" and "meandering." Many noted difficulty connecting with the characters. What readers liked: - Research and historical detail about Australian politics - Commentary on surveillance and data privacy - Dark humor throughout - Technical accuracy in hacking scenes What readers disliked: - Complex structure splits focus between multiple plots - Character development feels incomplete - Pacing issues, especially in middle sections - Abrupt ending left questions unanswered Ratings: Goodreads: 3.3/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 3.4/5 (80+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.5/5 (90+ ratings) "The historical elements shine but the modern plot falls flat" notes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review states "Fascinating ideas about privacy and power, but the execution is messy." Multiple readers mentioned abandoning the book partway through due to confusion with the narrative structure.

The Circle by Dave Eggers The story follows a tech company employee who uncovers dangerous implications of surveillance technology and data collection, mirroring the digital warfare themes in Amnesia.

Ghostwritten by David Mitchell Multiple interconnected narratives span across different time periods and locations, linking historical events to present-day consequences in ways that echo Carey's historical connections.

Underground by Haruki Murakami The book examines political resistance and social upheaval through interviews with participants in the Tokyo subway attacks, presenting parallel themes of activism and national identity.

The Zero by Jess Walter A complex narrative about post-9/11 political manipulation and media control draws similar lines between government intervention and public perception.

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow The plot centers on young hackers fighting against government surveillance, connecting to Amnesia's exploration of digital resistance and political control.

🔸 Peter Carey is one of only four authors in history to win the prestigious Booker Prize twice (for "Oscar and Lucinda" and "True History of the Kelly Gang"). 🔸 The 1975 dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, featured in "Amnesia," remains one of Australia's most controversial political events, with speculation about CIA involvement. 🔸 The computer virus described in the novel was partly inspired by a real-world incident in 2013 when hackers released sensitive US intelligence information. 🔸 While writing "Amnesia," Carey conducted extensive research into the history of hacking, including interviews with prominent members of the Australian cyber security community. 🔸 The character Felix Moore shares several biographical details with Carey himself, including a childhood in rural Victoria and a background in advertising before turning to writing.