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Memories With Maya
A story of one man's determination to HACK his destiny...
"EMOTIONS ARE LIKE A VIRUS, a common cold...disrupting the flow of logic in the mind." Daniel reminds himself.
Dan's work involves creating commercially viable Augmented Reality solutions. The recession and an explosion of data-cops is drying out his streams of income.
He turns to close friend, Krish, a researcher in Artificial Intelligence, in the hope that they can come up with ideas for the Entertainment market. His girlfriend, Maya, and her family return to their homeland due to her father's illness.
Dan and Maya continue their relationship via Dirrogates (Digital Surrogates), experiencing human touch through haptics. Krish gets a job at the prestigious A.I.R.I. Using AIRI's lab, Krish and Dan, create an advanced visor with Augmented Intelligence built in.
They dub it "Wizer".
A Board member at AIRI sees potential in the Wizer other than what Dan and Krish have in mind.
At a test in a nightclub, things go wrong...
The hard science in the story details how AR & AI will merge to create Digital Surrogates in our own likeness - our DIRROGATES.
Insight: www.memorieswithmaya.com / www.dirrogate.com
"EMOTIONS ARE LIKE A VIRUS, a common cold...disrupting the flow of logic in the mind." Daniel reminds himself.
Dan's work involves creating commercially viable Augmented Reality solutions. The recession and an explosion of data-cops is drying out his streams of income.
He turns to close friend, Krish, a researcher in Artificial Intelligence, in the hope that they can come up with ideas for the Entertainment market. His girlfriend, Maya, and her family return to their homeland due to her father's illness.
Dan and Maya continue their relationship via Dirrogates (Digital Surrogates), experiencing human touch through haptics. Krish gets a job at the prestigious A.I.R.I. Using AIRI's lab, Krish and Dan, create an advanced visor with Augmented Intelligence built in.
They dub it "Wizer".
A Board member at AIRI sees potential in the Wizer other than what Dan and Krish have in mind.
At a test in a nightclub, things go wrong...
The hard science in the story details how AR & AI will merge to create Digital Surrogates in our own likeness - our DIRROGATES.
Insight: www.memorieswithmaya.com / www.dirrogate.com
217 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2013
10 people are currently reading
1038 people want to read
About the author
Clyde DeSouza
5 books22 followersClyde DeSouza is a Creative Technology Evangelist. He explores advances in AR & VR and their influence on human perception. His non fiction book: "Think in 3D" has been seen on a growing number of film-sets and is used as prep reading by Directors and Cinematographers.
His second book: "Memories With Maya" is a fiction novel in the hard science/metaphysical genre. The story looks at the impact Augmented Intelligence will have on intimate human personal relationships and our post-human future
Twitter: @cly3d
His second book: "Memories With Maya" is a fiction novel in the hard science/metaphysical genre. The story looks at the impact Augmented Intelligence will have on intimate human personal relationships and our post-human future
Twitter: @cly3d
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 20, 2015
“You realize that there is no free will in what we create with AI. Everything functions within rules and
parameters”
----Clyde DeSouza
Clyde DeSouza, an Indian author, has penned his science-fiction novel, Maya that is based on augmented reality with the help of AI and how digital immortality can be achieved with it through his heart-touching yet enlightening story about three individuals.
Synopsis:
A story of one man's determination to HACK his destiny...
"EMOTIONS ARE LIKE A VIRUS, a common cold...disrupting the flow of logic in the mind." Daniel reminds himself.
Dan's work involves creating commercially viable Augmented Reality solutions. The recession and an explosion of data-cops is drying out his streams of income.
He turns to close friend, Krish, a researcher in Artificial Intelligence, in the hope that they can come up with ideas for the Entertainment market. His girlfriend, Maya, and her family return to their homeland due to her father's illness.
Dan and Maya continue their relationship via Dirrogates (Digital Surrogates), experiencing human touch through haptics. Krish gets a job at the prestigious A.I.R.I. Using AIRI's lab, Krish and Dan, create an advanced visor with Augmented Intelligence built in.
They dub it "Wizer".
A Board member at AIRI sees potential in the Wizer other than what Dan and Krish have in mind.
At a test in a nightclub, things go wrong...
Dan is a young man works to build stuffs as augmented reality. His scientist friend, Krish, working in AI, develops an high-tech visor, called Wizer. Krish's sister, Maya, a classical dancer, is in love with Dan. Well they are more like friends with benefits. Dan goes to Mumbai to give his finishing touches as well as his inputs into this visor and simultaneously his confusing affair with Maya takes off, but one night in a club, things go terribly wrong when this visor falls into the wrong hands and the test run of the visor attracts undue attention, thus changing the course of Dan and Krish's lives, followed by the seed of an idea of digital immortality through this visor.
The book is deeply layered with thousands of technical jargon that is quite hard to understand if we don't read it carefully. But the author have done a great job in introducing some new concepts behind augmented reality of how it can please us and can equally take control of our lives. There is a love story running parallely with the invention of this visor.
The chemistry between Dan and Maya is compassionately depicted and have been layered with the benefits of using AI to please one another in a sensual way. Their inevitable attraction for each other kept me rooting for both Dan and Maya till the very end. The author have played out the emotions very well.
The writing is simple and easy, but like I said, the author may not have included too much details in the world building department, but that left us confused and hard to contemplate with. The depth of the story was so hazy with technical descriptions about AI, and it was midway through the book when I realized what Dan and Krish was actually creating.
The characters are all okay, especially the primary character, Dan who is not too over the top or someone who we can really cheer for. The author's initial descriptions about him gives me an idea as someone who is terribly nerd, but as the story progressed I realized that Dan is a very social girl, who flirts and sleeps around and also works in a cool club as a DJ.
Yes there is a major tear-jerking twist, that changes the whole course of the story and I absolutely fell for the story after that incident and it kept me engrossed till the very end.
Verdict: If you're a huge fan of stories about AI then do grab a copy of this book for sure.
Courtesy: Thanks to Goodreads for choosing me as a Goodreads First Read Program winner.
parameters”
----Clyde DeSouza
Clyde DeSouza, an Indian author, has penned his science-fiction novel, Maya that is based on augmented reality with the help of AI and how digital immortality can be achieved with it through his heart-touching yet enlightening story about three individuals.
Synopsis:
A story of one man's determination to HACK his destiny...
"EMOTIONS ARE LIKE A VIRUS, a common cold...disrupting the flow of logic in the mind." Daniel reminds himself.
Dan's work involves creating commercially viable Augmented Reality solutions. The recession and an explosion of data-cops is drying out his streams of income.
He turns to close friend, Krish, a researcher in Artificial Intelligence, in the hope that they can come up with ideas for the Entertainment market. His girlfriend, Maya, and her family return to their homeland due to her father's illness.
Dan and Maya continue their relationship via Dirrogates (Digital Surrogates), experiencing human touch through haptics. Krish gets a job at the prestigious A.I.R.I. Using AIRI's lab, Krish and Dan, create an advanced visor with Augmented Intelligence built in.
They dub it "Wizer".
A Board member at AIRI sees potential in the Wizer other than what Dan and Krish have in mind.
At a test in a nightclub, things go wrong...
Dan is a young man works to build stuffs as augmented reality. His scientist friend, Krish, working in AI, develops an high-tech visor, called Wizer. Krish's sister, Maya, a classical dancer, is in love with Dan. Well they are more like friends with benefits. Dan goes to Mumbai to give his finishing touches as well as his inputs into this visor and simultaneously his confusing affair with Maya takes off, but one night in a club, things go terribly wrong when this visor falls into the wrong hands and the test run of the visor attracts undue attention, thus changing the course of Dan and Krish's lives, followed by the seed of an idea of digital immortality through this visor.
The book is deeply layered with thousands of technical jargon that is quite hard to understand if we don't read it carefully. But the author have done a great job in introducing some new concepts behind augmented reality of how it can please us and can equally take control of our lives. There is a love story running parallely with the invention of this visor.
The chemistry between Dan and Maya is compassionately depicted and have been layered with the benefits of using AI to please one another in a sensual way. Their inevitable attraction for each other kept me rooting for both Dan and Maya till the very end. The author have played out the emotions very well.
The writing is simple and easy, but like I said, the author may not have included too much details in the world building department, but that left us confused and hard to contemplate with. The depth of the story was so hazy with technical descriptions about AI, and it was midway through the book when I realized what Dan and Krish was actually creating.
The characters are all okay, especially the primary character, Dan who is not too over the top or someone who we can really cheer for. The author's initial descriptions about him gives me an idea as someone who is terribly nerd, but as the story progressed I realized that Dan is a very social girl, who flirts and sleeps around and also works in a cool club as a DJ.
Yes there is a major tear-jerking twist, that changes the whole course of the story and I absolutely fell for the story after that incident and it kept me engrossed till the very end.
Verdict: If you're a huge fan of stories about AI then do grab a copy of this book for sure.
Courtesy: Thanks to Goodreads for choosing me as a Goodreads First Read Program winner.
April 23, 2013
**A review by the author**
I did hesitate before writing, because I'm not sure if it's good practice to review your own work. It's up to readers to interpret the story, and every person will experience varying degrees of satisfaction from the read.
My review is to share some insights into the writing.
Memories with Maya - 'The Dirrogate' - has been appropriately described by an astute reader : "..If you are looking for a book with an amazing plot and surprises, maybe try a different one. If you're looking for an interesting insight on what future technology holds, go for it..."
The story is heavy on science, yet it is two layered and aimed at audiences who like to geek out on near future technology. Reading carefully, reveals what may be a 'second story' or philosophy. Giving examples might get into spoiler territory.
I chose to use broad strokes of the brush when world building, choosing to sketch out the world rather than describe it in excruciating detail. I have tried to bring out particularities where needed in a scene, letting the reader's imagination fill in the rest of a setting. The reasoning for doing this, is I wanted to strike a balance between story size and satiating the appetite of readers who love detailing in their fiction.
The aim with Memories with Maya is probably too ambitious, but I like taking risks (a gamble actually). My reward being in that, I hope to attract (convert?) a generation of readers who are used to, or want, a quick story and are daunted by large volumes of text.
Will this satisfy a traditional publisher? Probably not. (another gamble I took)
On to the story: There is a plot, an underlying theme; the story reveals itself in two layers. One is a linear narrative as is plain to see and which will no doubt make some readers question where the story is going or that it is too weak, and the other layer is the story; a path that reveals itself, on a closer read.
I realize it is counter intuitive to patronize my readers into suggesting they may not be "getting it", but I'll err on the side of caution just this once.
The epilogue contains the last part of the second layer of the story, and has everything to do with numbers, as does the tattoo on the cover image.
The story looks at near future technologies: Future iterations of Google glass (for lack of a more popular example), AR, and augmented intelligence... how will they affect personal relationships between people (even after death).
Though the story is a just shy of 210 pages, it certainly is not in the league of literary gems such as The Great Gatsby (similar length) nor Hitch Hikers Guide. I do hope it is a story that provides food for thought and seeds ideas in the minds of tech savvy audiences...
It was a pleasure researching and putting a spin on AI theory when writing Memories with Maya. Ultimately, to you, I hope it turns out to be a 'Goodread'.
I did hesitate before writing, because I'm not sure if it's good practice to review your own work. It's up to readers to interpret the story, and every person will experience varying degrees of satisfaction from the read.
My review is to share some insights into the writing.
Memories with Maya - 'The Dirrogate' - has been appropriately described by an astute reader : "..If you are looking for a book with an amazing plot and surprises, maybe try a different one. If you're looking for an interesting insight on what future technology holds, go for it..."
The story is heavy on science, yet it is two layered and aimed at audiences who like to geek out on near future technology. Reading carefully, reveals what may be a 'second story' or philosophy. Giving examples might get into spoiler territory.
I chose to use broad strokes of the brush when world building, choosing to sketch out the world rather than describe it in excruciating detail. I have tried to bring out particularities where needed in a scene, letting the reader's imagination fill in the rest of a setting. The reasoning for doing this, is I wanted to strike a balance between story size and satiating the appetite of readers who love detailing in their fiction.
The aim with Memories with Maya is probably too ambitious, but I like taking risks (a gamble actually). My reward being in that, I hope to attract (convert?) a generation of readers who are used to, or want, a quick story and are daunted by large volumes of text.
Will this satisfy a traditional publisher? Probably not. (another gamble I took)
On to the story: There is a plot, an underlying theme; the story reveals itself in two layers. One is a linear narrative as is plain to see and which will no doubt make some readers question where the story is going or that it is too weak, and the other layer is the story; a path that reveals itself, on a closer read.
I realize it is counter intuitive to patronize my readers into suggesting they may not be "getting it", but I'll err on the side of caution just this once.
The epilogue contains the last part of the second layer of the story, and has everything to do with numbers, as does the tattoo on the cover image.
The story looks at near future technologies: Future iterations of Google glass (for lack of a more popular example), AR, and augmented intelligence... how will they affect personal relationships between people (even after death).
Though the story is a just shy of 210 pages, it certainly is not in the league of literary gems such as The Great Gatsby (similar length) nor Hitch Hikers Guide. I do hope it is a story that provides food for thought and seeds ideas in the minds of tech savvy audiences...
It was a pleasure researching and putting a spin on AI theory when writing Memories with Maya. Ultimately, to you, I hope it turns out to be a 'Goodread'.
April 20, 2013
I thought this book was a highly worthy read. There are some very unique concepts coming out of this novel. It makes for quite a few surprises and plenty of wonder. The writing itself is solid and the plot is exciting. I'm now looking forward to reading more from this author.
August 15, 2013
The basic premise of this work is what appeals to readers of serious SF - interrogating how advanced science would eventually tweak not only our way of working, but also our dearly-held beliefs, our sense of ethics and consequently, our long-attested attributes of what makes us human.
I love SF where the technology has bearings on our life as we know it, and the work scores pretty well on that count. The concept of WIZER, the fusion of Augmented Reality and AI was well-thought out in terms of possibilities. It appeals to our hearts that, with advanced tech, will someday battle with our cultural dilemmas.
However, there were some things which didn't appeal to me much - for instance, I found the narrative too slow - it was only a little after half the book was over that the tech shown therein began to serve its true purpose - turns out that the first-half of the book, essentially, is the pre-preparation for the main premise. I would have loved this book really if the first-half of the book had been covered in one-fourth, and left the rest three-fourths to investigate more into how future-tech will alter our perspective on life and death - or if this had been a short-story - it would have been hard-hitting then.
Also a bit jarring were the mundane dialogues, regarding the details of the tech, which I think, could have been more precise and would have left more scope for examining the moral issues that follow futuristic tech.
Overall, I'd say it was a good read - I appreciate the non-commercial angle of looking at SF, the literary slant, but I found it rather slow, with the main premise not explored deep enough. The lack of an action-plot is not an issue at all, but then, the philosophical aspect must be given more space and depth. I liked the second part of the book, but I'm not so sure about the first-half. But I'd think it is more about lack of editing skills here than lack of real talent.
I love SF where the technology has bearings on our life as we know it, and the work scores pretty well on that count. The concept of WIZER, the fusion of Augmented Reality and AI was well-thought out in terms of possibilities. It appeals to our hearts that, with advanced tech, will someday battle with our cultural dilemmas.
However, there were some things which didn't appeal to me much - for instance, I found the narrative too slow - it was only a little after half the book was over that the tech shown therein began to serve its true purpose - turns out that the first-half of the book, essentially, is the pre-preparation for the main premise. I would have loved this book really if the first-half of the book had been covered in one-fourth, and left the rest three-fourths to investigate more into how future-tech will alter our perspective on life and death - or if this had been a short-story - it would have been hard-hitting then.
Also a bit jarring were the mundane dialogues, regarding the details of the tech, which I think, could have been more precise and would have left more scope for examining the moral issues that follow futuristic tech.
Overall, I'd say it was a good read - I appreciate the non-commercial angle of looking at SF, the literary slant, but I found it rather slow, with the main premise not explored deep enough. The lack of an action-plot is not an issue at all, but then, the philosophical aspect must be given more space and depth. I liked the second part of the book, but I'm not so sure about the first-half. But I'd think it is more about lack of editing skills here than lack of real talent.
June 28, 2017
I found the writing worked well for me. The pace was good, the prose was good. The story kept me interested. And the book is short enough for anyone who may not want to go into greater depth into these areas. (I'm not sure of this, but it might be shorter than preferred by a mainstream publisher.)
It only struck me after finishing the book that the portrayal of the central character was different. While he's involved in developing new tech, he's not a usual version of a geek or even a scientist. He's a young man who can enjoy going to a dance club and even do a little DJ work there. While he hasn't wanted to acknowledge his relationship as "love" rather than "sex buddies", he has no real awkwardness with women.
The book presents the reader with a number of ideas on various areas and ways in which augmented reality could be useful to people. Unlike some books promoting this or that kind of tech, it also dramatically describes how the tech could be used in harmful ways. And the book's themes tie together in the development of an augmented reality simulation of the girlfriend after she dies - an application which is likely to get various reactions from readers.
I would say that towards the end of the book the reader is presented with more ideas of what the characters might try to work on next - but which never really begins before the book ends. While that might help promote real world interest in the technology, it didn't strike me as integrated into the book.
The rating I gave the book partly reflects that near future SF and themes such as augmented reality visors aren't high in my reading priorities. Those who are more inclined that way may enjoy it more.
It only struck me after finishing the book that the portrayal of the central character was different. While he's involved in developing new tech, he's not a usual version of a geek or even a scientist. He's a young man who can enjoy going to a dance club and even do a little DJ work there. While he hasn't wanted to acknowledge his relationship as "love" rather than "sex buddies", he has no real awkwardness with women.
The book presents the reader with a number of ideas on various areas and ways in which augmented reality could be useful to people. Unlike some books promoting this or that kind of tech, it also dramatically describes how the tech could be used in harmful ways. And the book's themes tie together in the development of an augmented reality simulation of the girlfriend after she dies - an application which is likely to get various reactions from readers.
I would say that towards the end of the book the reader is presented with more ideas of what the characters might try to work on next - but which never really begins before the book ends. While that might help promote real world interest in the technology, it didn't strike me as integrated into the book.
The rating I gave the book partly reflects that near future SF and themes such as augmented reality visors aren't high in my reading priorities. Those who are more inclined that way may enjoy it more.
May 2, 2013
I come to read this book as a review copy provided by author.
The cover caught my attention from the first sight; it has a high tech appeal in it (that is what I felt) and is quite appropriate for this technology thriller.
This is a double theme book, one is technological futuristic scenario and other theme is a love story of Daniel and Maya. Daniel and Krish are tech freaks and friends, and creators of high tech visors. Maya is sister of Krish.
I particularly like the love story part, however it has nothing much new to offer but author has portrayed their relationship and intimate scenes very well. Futuristic technology focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) that can be helpful for society and even can satisfy sexual pleasures even when two partners are miles away from each other. Some portions of such scenarios I loved to read especially when they are related to Daniel and Maya.
From the half way stage, the story takes a sharp turn and grips you to the following incidents when the use of technology went wrong resulting into a tragedy for Krish and Daniel. There is no mention by the author about which part of time this story is situated but it went well with me. It was an easy and quick read. Tech savvy and computer professionals will definitely enjoy this book much more than me.
Clyde, you have a nice writing style. I hope you will write for other genres too in future which I look forward to read. All the best.
The cover caught my attention from the first sight; it has a high tech appeal in it (that is what I felt) and is quite appropriate for this technology thriller.
This is a double theme book, one is technological futuristic scenario and other theme is a love story of Daniel and Maya. Daniel and Krish are tech freaks and friends, and creators of high tech visors. Maya is sister of Krish.
I particularly like the love story part, however it has nothing much new to offer but author has portrayed their relationship and intimate scenes very well. Futuristic technology focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) that can be helpful for society and even can satisfy sexual pleasures even when two partners are miles away from each other. Some portions of such scenarios I loved to read especially when they are related to Daniel and Maya.
From the half way stage, the story takes a sharp turn and grips you to the following incidents when the use of technology went wrong resulting into a tragedy for Krish and Daniel. There is no mention by the author about which part of time this story is situated but it went well with me. It was an easy and quick read. Tech savvy and computer professionals will definitely enjoy this book much more than me.
Clyde, you have a nice writing style. I hope you will write for other genres too in future which I look forward to read. All the best.
April 15, 2013
Well, I just finished the book after starting it only a few hours ago, it's quick to read with easy language, so if anyone's scared of books this is an easy choice.
As the author explains, there are two sides to the story, the first explaining a bit about the technology and ethics surrounding the Wizers (very cool google glasses) and secondly (and more interesting for me) the idea of Quantum Archeology.
What will be normal for us in the decades to come? With so much amazing technology we will be able to do unthinkable things today. Ethical questions need to be addressed, and this story will get you thinking.
It is mainly based on science and ethics more than thrilling action with x ray glasses etc... If you are looking for a book with an amazing plot and surprises, maybe try a different one. If you're looking for an interesting insight on what future technology holds, go for it.
On a lighter note, currently in a long term relationship I could use some of that technology!
As the author explains, there are two sides to the story, the first explaining a bit about the technology and ethics surrounding the Wizers (very cool google glasses) and secondly (and more interesting for me) the idea of Quantum Archeology.
What will be normal for us in the decades to come? With so much amazing technology we will be able to do unthinkable things today. Ethical questions need to be addressed, and this story will get you thinking.
It is mainly based on science and ethics more than thrilling action with x ray glasses etc... If you are looking for a book with an amazing plot and surprises, maybe try a different one. If you're looking for an interesting insight on what future technology holds, go for it.
On a lighter note, currently in a long term relationship I could use some of that technology!
August 13, 2016
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3.5 Sniffs - We may linger a bit longer to enjoy the fragrance.
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3.5 Sniffs - We may linger a bit longer to enjoy the fragrance.
Check out my review at Booksniffer Book Reviews!
http://booksnifferbookreviews.blogspo...
August 13, 2014
Really shallow.. The characters were only there to explain an idea about augmented reality, and they were so shallow sometimes it was painful trying NOT to emphasize with them.
March 7, 2014
Tour Stop: Memories with Maya by Clyde Dsouza Title: Memories with Maya
Author: Clyde Dsouza
Genre/Age Range: Science Fiction, 17+
Publisher: CreateSpace
Release Date: February 27, 2013
Goodreads / Amazon / B&N / Book Depository / Smashwords
Description:
A story of one man's determination to HACK his destiny, even if it meant challenging Divine Providence...
The story looks at how augmentation technology will affect emotions, intimate human relationships, and our very evolution as a species."EMOTIONS ARE LIKE A VIRUS, a common cold...disrupting the flow of logic in the mind." Daniel reminds himself.Dan's work involves creating commercially viable AR solutions. The recession and an explosion of data-cops is drying out his streams of income.He turns to close friend, Krish, a researcher in Artificial Intelligence, in the hope that they can come up with ideas for the Entertainment market. His girlfriend, Maya, and her family return to their homeland after her father passes away.Dan and Maya continue their relationship via Dirrogates (Digital Surrogates), experiencing human touch through haptics. Krish gets a job at the prestigious A.I.R.I. Using AIRI's lab, Krish and Dan, create an advanced visor with Augmented Intelligence built in.They dub it "Wizer."A Board member at AIRI sees potential in the Wizer other than what Dan and Krish have in mind.At a test in a nightclub, things go wrong...Can the Wizer "insure memories" and be a catalyst to accelerate the journey toward eventual Singularity?The (subtle) underlying philosophy in the story is about preparing the common man for our eventual Technological Singularity. If the goals of Transhumanism are to be embraced, they need to be explained to everyday people, in everyday language and using everyday settings. Only then can a road-map for Transhumanism be built.Memories with Maya also poses the question: Can we transcend the Human Lifecycle?The plausible science in the story details how AR & AI will merge to create Digital Surrogates in our own likeness - our DIRROGATES.
Review:
As the summary shows this is a sci-fiction novel, a genre I rarely read but always enjoy. There is a lot of tech talk which I don't understand entirely but the beauty of this book is that it didn't much affect my reading experience. Story is fairly entertaining and all the characters are well developed & strong. Over all the book is well written. It keeps you interested through out.
At first I didn't like Dan's character much. He seemed to me to be an opportunistic, who is afraid of commitments but likes to keep his options open. But as the story unravels I formed a connection with his character and the tragedy surrounding it. He is very much interested in Maya, his best friend's sister. They have a relationship based on comfort.
When she moves to India with her family Daniel meets Kelly. Although he is still in a sort-of-relation with Maya, he is also interested in Kelly. When she purposes a business opportunity, for a while Dan seriously considers taking it but in the end he decides to go to India and work on the "Wizer" he and Krish created.
Krish is his best friend and both are working on AI technology together. They are well on the road to success and fame when in a tragic incident Maya dies. Then Dan creates a "Dirrogate" of Maya. he is devastated by her death and uses his tech-knowledge to some how bring her back to life and deal with his grief. The story poses certain questions about human integrity, belief-system and how technology plays its role in both good and bad ways. It makes us think as to what is right here and what isn't? It is a heart touching story which tells how greed can lead to misuse of technology which should be used only for the betterment of society and human life.
The best thing about this book is the way the author has merged the two themes (science and love) together. It is not only about scientific technology but also a tragic love story of Daniel and Maya. A definite 4-star as far as my opinion goes.
About Author:
Clyde DeSouza is a Creative Technology Evangelist. He explores tech advances in Augmented Reality, Real-time Game engines and Stereoscopic 3D and their influence on human perception. His non fiction book: "Think in 3D" has been seen on a growing number of film-sets and is used as prep reading by Directors and Cinematographers. His second book: "Memories With Maya" is a fiction novel in the hard science/metaphysical genre. The story look s at the impact Augmented Intelligence will have on intimate human personal relationships and our very evolution as a species.
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Giveaway:
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Author: Clyde Dsouza
Genre/Age Range: Science Fiction, 17+
Publisher: CreateSpace
Release Date: February 27, 2013
Goodreads / Amazon / B&N / Book Depository / Smashwords
Description:
A story of one man's determination to HACK his destiny, even if it meant challenging Divine Providence...
The story looks at how augmentation technology will affect emotions, intimate human relationships, and our very evolution as a species."EMOTIONS ARE LIKE A VIRUS, a common cold...disrupting the flow of logic in the mind." Daniel reminds himself.Dan's work involves creating commercially viable AR solutions. The recession and an explosion of data-cops is drying out his streams of income.He turns to close friend, Krish, a researcher in Artificial Intelligence, in the hope that they can come up with ideas for the Entertainment market. His girlfriend, Maya, and her family return to their homeland after her father passes away.Dan and Maya continue their relationship via Dirrogates (Digital Surrogates), experiencing human touch through haptics. Krish gets a job at the prestigious A.I.R.I. Using AIRI's lab, Krish and Dan, create an advanced visor with Augmented Intelligence built in.They dub it "Wizer."A Board member at AIRI sees potential in the Wizer other than what Dan and Krish have in mind.At a test in a nightclub, things go wrong...Can the Wizer "insure memories" and be a catalyst to accelerate the journey toward eventual Singularity?The (subtle) underlying philosophy in the story is about preparing the common man for our eventual Technological Singularity. If the goals of Transhumanism are to be embraced, they need to be explained to everyday people, in everyday language and using everyday settings. Only then can a road-map for Transhumanism be built.Memories with Maya also poses the question: Can we transcend the Human Lifecycle?The plausible science in the story details how AR & AI will merge to create Digital Surrogates in our own likeness - our DIRROGATES.
Review:
As the summary shows this is a sci-fiction novel, a genre I rarely read but always enjoy. There is a lot of tech talk which I don't understand entirely but the beauty of this book is that it didn't much affect my reading experience. Story is fairly entertaining and all the characters are well developed & strong. Over all the book is well written. It keeps you interested through out.
At first I didn't like Dan's character much. He seemed to me to be an opportunistic, who is afraid of commitments but likes to keep his options open. But as the story unravels I formed a connection with his character and the tragedy surrounding it. He is very much interested in Maya, his best friend's sister. They have a relationship based on comfort.
When she moves to India with her family Daniel meets Kelly. Although he is still in a sort-of-relation with Maya, he is also interested in Kelly. When she purposes a business opportunity, for a while Dan seriously considers taking it but in the end he decides to go to India and work on the "Wizer" he and Krish created.
Krish is his best friend and both are working on AI technology together. They are well on the road to success and fame when in a tragic incident Maya dies. Then Dan creates a "Dirrogate" of Maya. he is devastated by her death and uses his tech-knowledge to some how bring her back to life and deal with his grief. The story poses certain questions about human integrity, belief-system and how technology plays its role in both good and bad ways. It makes us think as to what is right here and what isn't? It is a heart touching story which tells how greed can lead to misuse of technology which should be used only for the betterment of society and human life.
The best thing about this book is the way the author has merged the two themes (science and love) together. It is not only about scientific technology but also a tragic love story of Daniel and Maya. A definite 4-star as far as my opinion goes.
About Author:
Clyde DeSouza is a Creative Technology Evangelist. He explores tech advances in Augmented Reality, Real-time Game engines and Stereoscopic 3D and their influence on human perception. His non fiction book: "Think in 3D" has been seen on a growing number of film-sets and is used as prep reading by Directors and Cinematographers. His second book: "Memories With Maya" is a fiction novel in the hard science/metaphysical genre. The story look s at the impact Augmented Intelligence will have on intimate human personal relationships and our very evolution as a species.
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March 23, 2013
If there’s such a thing as a “techno/noir” novel, MEMORIES WITH MAYA would qualify. There’s a hard-bitten edge to Clyde Desouza’s novel, as if it’s part gritty detective story and part techno adventure. The plot focuses on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR), and suggests intriguing and fantastic technological possibilities that might not be “science-fiction” after all. Dan and Krish are digital masterminds who devise an incredible visor (which Dan names a “Wizer”) that gives its wearer the ability not only to read the facial expressions of those around him (revealing emotion and ultimate veracity), but to actually interact in remote locations as if he is actually there (it puts a whole new spin on teleconferencing). The uses for such technology are virtually limitless, and a major player in India (AYREE) wants to develop it for military and government use (with Augmented Intelligence built in). But there are social uses for this technology as well, including Digital Surrogacy, enabling Wizer wearers to be together even when they’re not.
Against this high-tech environment Dan dodges the “cyber cops” as he lures unsuspecting web browsers into one of his digital schemes. He’s also a sometime DJ, and he can see tons of uses for his technology in the clubs where he works. And he’s in love (or lust!) with the lovely and enigmatic Maya, Krish’s sister, who moves to India with her brother after her father’s death. So Dan doesn’t hesitate when he’s offered the chance to come to India and work on the Wizer project with Krish and AYREE. There’s money to be made, prestige to be earned, and Maya to love. What could go wrong?
Well, for the first two-thirds of MEMORIES WITH MAYA, not much. In fact, not much happens at all for the first 62% of the Kindle edition (or around 134 of the paperback’s 216 pages). The story is dense with detail, and Desouza clearly knows AI, AR, and all things computer-related. Dan, Krish, and Maya are real, fleshed-out characters, and their interactions are never dull. But not much happens. Dan and Maya have sex. Dan and Krish talk technology. Dan and Maya have digital sex. Dan and Krish get offered a lot of money. Dan and Maya say the “l” word. Etcetera.
Then, just when you think you have the routine down, Desouza throws a wrench into things. Something happens. And someone dies. And someone else realizes that the Wizer technology may have more uses than originally expected. Because what does it mean to relive memories of someone you love? And are photographs and fading memories really enough? What if they don’t have to be?
There’s no clue as to when MEMORIES WITH MAYA is set – at least not until the epigraph. While it all feels very sci-fi, especially in the beginning, it’s also very clear that we are not far from being able to do all of the seemingly futuristic things demonstrated in this novel. It may be science fiction right now, but it won’t be for long. And Desouza wants us to think long and hard about what it will mean to be even more digitally connected with each other than we already are. Already, we spend more time interacting via the Internet and the smart phone than we do in person. What if we could actually “touch” each other from thousands of miles away? And what if death doesn’t have to be the end, but rather the beginning of an entirely new way to interact with those we love?
I enjoyed the novel very much, but I will admit that I began to lose patience with a story that didn’t seem to be going anywhere for almost two-thirds of the book. All of the miraculous technology in the novel is fascinating, but technology alone isn’t story. Once the plot does kick into high gear, I was fully engaged – and Dan’s romance with Maya is both erotically sexy and totally believable. I recommend this for fans of hard sci-fi or for anyone who wonders what the future (even the very near future) might hold for us. Just be patient as you’re reading. There is a payoff, and the book will ultimately be worth your time. It’s well-written, original, and totally timely. Definitely worth a read.
Against this high-tech environment Dan dodges the “cyber cops” as he lures unsuspecting web browsers into one of his digital schemes. He’s also a sometime DJ, and he can see tons of uses for his technology in the clubs where he works. And he’s in love (or lust!) with the lovely and enigmatic Maya, Krish’s sister, who moves to India with her brother after her father’s death. So Dan doesn’t hesitate when he’s offered the chance to come to India and work on the Wizer project with Krish and AYREE. There’s money to be made, prestige to be earned, and Maya to love. What could go wrong?
Well, for the first two-thirds of MEMORIES WITH MAYA, not much. In fact, not much happens at all for the first 62% of the Kindle edition (or around 134 of the paperback’s 216 pages). The story is dense with detail, and Desouza clearly knows AI, AR, and all things computer-related. Dan, Krish, and Maya are real, fleshed-out characters, and their interactions are never dull. But not much happens. Dan and Maya have sex. Dan and Krish talk technology. Dan and Maya have digital sex. Dan and Krish get offered a lot of money. Dan and Maya say the “l” word. Etcetera.
Then, just when you think you have the routine down, Desouza throws a wrench into things. Something happens. And someone dies. And someone else realizes that the Wizer technology may have more uses than originally expected. Because what does it mean to relive memories of someone you love? And are photographs and fading memories really enough? What if they don’t have to be?
There’s no clue as to when MEMORIES WITH MAYA is set – at least not until the epigraph. While it all feels very sci-fi, especially in the beginning, it’s also very clear that we are not far from being able to do all of the seemingly futuristic things demonstrated in this novel. It may be science fiction right now, but it won’t be for long. And Desouza wants us to think long and hard about what it will mean to be even more digitally connected with each other than we already are. Already, we spend more time interacting via the Internet and the smart phone than we do in person. What if we could actually “touch” each other from thousands of miles away? And what if death doesn’t have to be the end, but rather the beginning of an entirely new way to interact with those we love?
I enjoyed the novel very much, but I will admit that I began to lose patience with a story that didn’t seem to be going anywhere for almost two-thirds of the book. All of the miraculous technology in the novel is fascinating, but technology alone isn’t story. Once the plot does kick into high gear, I was fully engaged – and Dan’s romance with Maya is both erotically sexy and totally believable. I recommend this for fans of hard sci-fi or for anyone who wonders what the future (even the very near future) might hold for us. Just be patient as you’re reading. There is a payoff, and the book will ultimately be worth your time. It’s well-written, original, and totally timely. Definitely worth a read.
April 20, 2013
“Memories with Maya” by Clyde Dsouza is a technology thriller, with some romance and erotica, that will take you on an intense journey along with Daniel, Krish and Maya as take virtual reality to new heights. Just as I was, you will find yourself totally absorbed in the adrenaline rush of developing cutting edge technology, the secret romance that is fed by the closeness that this augmented reality technology provides and the tragedy when human greed becomes involved. You will find hope in that sometimes even out of our tragedies we can find inspiration to continue what we started in a new and wonderful direction.
The main character in the book is Daniel who dreams about creating an augmented reality universe. He manages to take his dream as far as he can with his limited resources. The next step is to contact an old friend that has resources and the talent to bring his dream to fruition. Together they are able to create augmented reality googles they call “Wizer”.
The book is about so much more then just creating a new augmented reality technology or keeping a relationship alive in the face of a tragedy that looks like the end. Just as with many great books “Memories with Maya” goes beyond telling just the main story with its many sub-plots and has a message interwoven throughout the story. A good example of one of these sub-plots and one of my favorite parts is Daniels work at the night club where he mixes his love technology with his love of music. The message that technology can be used in many areas but it can be a double edge sword when humans get involved and use it for unintended applications.
Mr. Dsouza does a great job on so many areas: He shows us the way the creative process is born from the recesses of the creative mind, refined through interactions and brought into the real world through the hands of people that are skilled at their craft. You can relate to the dialog between the characters as the way that you might talk to your network of friends and business partners. The characters are well developed and believable as people that we might meet in our everyday lives.
“Memories with Maya” comes in both paperback and e-book. The version I read was in e-book format on a kindle. The pages fit well for good readability with good separation between the paragraphs to show when there was a transition. The one drawback was the lack of page numbers which is not all that bad.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone that loves having the latest gadgets, enjoys romances that beyond the confines of human bounds and the enjoy of a well written book. If you match any of these then this is one book that will provide you with hours of enjoyment. Because of some of the content I would recommend this book for a more mature audience.
The main character in the book is Daniel who dreams about creating an augmented reality universe. He manages to take his dream as far as he can with his limited resources. The next step is to contact an old friend that has resources and the talent to bring his dream to fruition. Together they are able to create augmented reality googles they call “Wizer”.
The book is about so much more then just creating a new augmented reality technology or keeping a relationship alive in the face of a tragedy that looks like the end. Just as with many great books “Memories with Maya” goes beyond telling just the main story with its many sub-plots and has a message interwoven throughout the story. A good example of one of these sub-plots and one of my favorite parts is Daniels work at the night club where he mixes his love technology with his love of music. The message that technology can be used in many areas but it can be a double edge sword when humans get involved and use it for unintended applications.
Mr. Dsouza does a great job on so many areas: He shows us the way the creative process is born from the recesses of the creative mind, refined through interactions and brought into the real world through the hands of people that are skilled at their craft. You can relate to the dialog between the characters as the way that you might talk to your network of friends and business partners. The characters are well developed and believable as people that we might meet in our everyday lives.
“Memories with Maya” comes in both paperback and e-book. The version I read was in e-book format on a kindle. The pages fit well for good readability with good separation between the paragraphs to show when there was a transition. The one drawback was the lack of page numbers which is not all that bad.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone that loves having the latest gadgets, enjoys romances that beyond the confines of human bounds and the enjoy of a well written book. If you match any of these then this is one book that will provide you with hours of enjoyment. Because of some of the content I would recommend this book for a more mature audience.
August 25, 2013
It has been a long time since I read some Science-fiction. So, was glad when I got a chance to read this one. Its a short book, around 210 pages and I managed to finish in a day. The book deals with the concepts of Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence. How will it impact our emotions/thinking and future?
Dan and Krish, techno-geeks, have invented a device named Visor (Dan prefers to call it Wizer). The device can help you go to remote locations virtually. Like the way you have avatar in games, you can choose one and can be virtually present where you want to be. It also can detect emotions and a high-end version of the so-called lie-detector. Krish's sister- Maya is Dan's girlfriend. Wait, did I tell you, the Wizer can make virtual sex a possibility.
Without the knowledge of Krish, Dan and Maya lead a happy love life, that is until Krish gets transferred to India to work on a project with AIRI, a prestigious research institute in India. Later, Dan is also called to India looking at the potential of the device.
The first half of the story is not at all heavy and you look more for science in the fiction. However, if patient enough, you get what you asked for in the second-half. Both Dan and Krish are working on Dirrogates (Digital surrogates). In the meanwhile there is an accident and someone dies. The name of the book kind of suggests whose death it is. Whether death is final? Or there is something technology can do about that too.
Dan finds a way for dealing with his grief and the title of the book is aptly justified. I could have written more but for the fear of giving away the plot.
The second-half more than compensates for the slow first half and when it ends, you are left asking for more.. I did read that the author is planning a sequel and will be looking forward to it. The book does talk about some philosophical concepts along with the concept of parallel universe. But I would have enjoyed more had been in depth. Anyway, as the genre is science-fiction, I cannot complain much.
Overall, the book was a good read, and one does get hopeful that such a technology becomes a reality soon. Dealing with death of a loved one will then become maybe a little bearable. But one also wonders, with virtual world so powerful, will the real world lose its sheen?
'Memories with Maya' is not too heavy on science, and someone who wants to start exploring the genre, science-fiction can consider this one. Of course, the book should be added in to romance genre too, after all, in essence it is a love story.
May 19, 2013
As a note, I received a review copy of this book at no charge.
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This was an interesting read. It was quick, and lacking in depth, but I still still enjoyed it. The main character was likable, and entirely believable. The tech wasn't anything that's not easily believable as just over the horizon, and the author didn't get lost in the usual "describe it to death" that a lot of new "tech" authors seem to think is necessary. I enjoyed the story, although it felt rushed and had a lot crushed into a short length. There also seemed to be an unnecessary focus on sex, although part of that it's a reflection of the age of the main character, so that gets a pass, for the most part.
Overall a decent read.
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This was an interesting read. It was quick, and lacking in depth, but I still still enjoyed it. The main character was likable, and entirely believable. The tech wasn't anything that's not easily believable as just over the horizon, and the author didn't get lost in the usual "describe it to death" that a lot of new "tech" authors seem to think is necessary. I enjoyed the story, although it felt rushed and had a lot crushed into a short length. There also seemed to be an unnecessary focus on sex, although part of that it's a reflection of the age of the main character, so that gets a pass, for the most part.
Overall a decent read.
May 4, 2013
The book's pace was reallyyyy slow. It only took the meaning of the title half was through the book. At page 133 was the climax, this is where it actually got to-read worthy. I think the book was more about Dan's project than it was about Maya. Though the second half of the book interpreted Maya in his project. Though I try not to give low ratings, this just wasn't the book for me.
I actually liked the fact that the book was based off of science. It probably would've been a better read if it was supposed to be more about the science part and the Dirrogates. It's just the fact that it was supposed to be about Maya threw me off.
I actually liked the fact that the book was based off of science. It probably would've been a better read if it was supposed to be more about the science part and the Dirrogates. It's just the fact that it was supposed to be about Maya threw me off.
August 25, 2013
Some have said that science fiction often becomes reality. I hope this is the case with this story.
This is a great story about how the use of technology may change and shape our everyday lives. The book was great and increased my appetite to read more stories that are similar in nature. The author does a great job developing characters and the plot is diverse and captivating. If you are a futurist, you will love this one.
I look forward to the day when the concepts in this book are part of everyday life.
This is a great story about how the use of technology may change and shape our everyday lives. The book was great and increased my appetite to read more stories that are similar in nature. The author does a great job developing characters and the plot is diverse and captivating. If you are a futurist, you will love this one.
I look forward to the day when the concepts in this book are part of everyday life.
February 16, 2015
An awesome book, with an unexpected love story.
April 23, 2015
1.5 stars
October 12, 2013
This short book presents some interesting ideas and situations, but ultimately frustrates due to its lack of depth. It's a story about Dan, a young entrepreneur in the tech industry. Dan and his partner invent a virtual reality device called a "Wizer" that is capable of projecting a virtual overlay onto the real world. The Wizer also allows users to inhabit avatars that can interact with each other in virtual environments. It's a cool idea, and I enjoyed Dan's musings about all the different ways we might make use of what is essentially a future version of what many people hope Google Glass will eventually become. Dsouza does a good job of acknowledging that such technology can be employed for good ends or bad, depending on the user. He also does a good job of focusing on what kinds of consequences the Wizer might have for interpersonal relationships. I particularly liked this aspect of the book, given that human relationships are often overlooked in the scifi/speculative fiction genre in favor of sweeping social commentaries and gratuitous action. Unfortunately, I found that the substance of Dsouza's characters was far too thin to sustain a sense of genuine investment from me as a reader. Additionally, I had philosophical objections to many of the sentiments expressed toward the end of the novel.
In my opinion, Dan is not a very likeable protagonist. He's clever, but he's also obsessed with sex in a way that feels pedestrian and heavily influenced by pornography. His descriptions of women focus almost entirely on their physical traits and habits; Dan seems to take little notice of female choices, personalities, and preferences. All of this is made easy by Dsouza's inability (or unwillingness) to write female characters that are interesting in any way. The main love interest, Maya, is a cardboard cutout of everyone's favorite pornstar: sexy, slutty, eager to please, but with intelligence and strong morals (I had to take the author's word on these last two qualities, given that Maya is neither given the chance to prove her intelligence nor forced to make any difficult moral decisions within the confines of the text). Dan is infatuated with Maya's body, but also manages to let his eyes roam enough to scope out other women as well. Females melt before him when he's working as a DJ at clubs, accompanied by other men who have similarly one-dimensional attitudes toward women. Basically, Dan doesn't need to have interesting relationships with women (or relationships with interesting women, for that matter) because he easily acquires what he wants from them: access to their bodies and to images of their bodies. Dan's attitude towards women and that of his friends is a textbook example of why many women don't feel comfortable working in the tech industry. While I find this perspective rather repulsive, it wouldn't be a big problem story-wise, except for that Dan becomes suddenly crushed when Maya is unexpectedly killed in an incident caused by the very Wizer technology Dan has been developing. I found Dan's spiral into depression over Maya's death to be trite and incongruous with the rest of the narrative; had Dsouza taken more time to develop Maya as an individual and allowed her and Dan the word count to overcome some obstacles together, her death might have seemed actually tragic. But other than a cursory mention of Maya's father's recent death, Dan and Maya spend most of their time flirting, talking dirty, fucking, or cyber-fucking. It's boring and sometimes offensive given how much time Dan spends obsessing over the details of Maya's body, which is the only part of her that seems to matter to him.
This book has two additional flaws. The first is that Dan somehow manages to completely miss what ought to be a major life lesson. Maya's death is the result of a terrorist organization using the Wizer technology to commit an act of violence. But after a few days spent shaking off the shock, Dan goes right back to work for the same people who leaked the technology to the terrorists in the first place. The men funding Dan's research assure him that the "bad apple" has been rooted out of the organization, but I found myself blown away by his readiness to accept this without question. Dan doesn't attempt to create software that would make the Wizer safer or difficult to use for violent acts. He simply keeps working on it and allows the money to roll in from his wealthy sponsors. What should have been a great opportunity for character growth turns out to be a bump in the highway to vast riches.
My last criticism has to do with the final act of the book, in which Dan uses the Wizer to create an avatar of Maya after her death. He programs this new "Maya" according to his memories of how she used to behave, and eventually enlists her brother to help him make her more lifelike. The Maya avatar allows Dan to keep doing what he likes doing best: stare at Maya's body. He doesn't seem too bothered by the fact that the avatar is merely Maya as she was remembered by other people, rather than a genuine representation of the actual woman whom he claims to have loved. I'm generally not bothered by futuristic scenarios in which people use mind-uploading or cryogenic freezing to resurrect dead people, but that's because those situations typically involve resurrecting the actual person as he or she once existed (or a digital representation of previously existing neural structure, at the very least). But it doesn't make sense to just "remember" someone; people are far too nuanced and mysterious for us to trust our infinitely shoddy human memories to reconstruct them in all their vast complexity! For me, this makes all the difference. The Maya avatar feels like an abomination––a flimsy placeholder allowing Dan to ignore the process of grieving for the real Maya and move on. His process of slowly adding programming to make the avatar more and more like the original Maya is sickening, because he's only using a combination of her online social profiles, his own memories, and the memories of others. I hate the idea that anyone could be reborn that way.
I shuddered when they figured out how to get the avatar to start talking:
"What do you remember, Maya?"
"You'll have to tell me, Dan. I forget, but you had the camera" (loc. 2327).
So, now Dan gets to chose what this new version of Maya is going to remember about who she was? To me, that's just creepy. It seems the epitome of the pornographic male fantasy that posits an alluring, vacuous female whose desires are tantamount to those of her male lover. While Dsouza seems to think that Dan's behavior is an emotional testament to his undying love for Maya, in my view nothing could be less respectful or honorable. I think a better title for the book would be Memories of Maya, because after the real Maya dies, there's no real woman for Dan to be "with." Only the fantasy is left, and with it the disturbing notion that perhaps the fantasy was all Dan wanted to begin with.
In my opinion, Dan is not a very likeable protagonist. He's clever, but he's also obsessed with sex in a way that feels pedestrian and heavily influenced by pornography. His descriptions of women focus almost entirely on their physical traits and habits; Dan seems to take little notice of female choices, personalities, and preferences. All of this is made easy by Dsouza's inability (or unwillingness) to write female characters that are interesting in any way. The main love interest, Maya, is a cardboard cutout of everyone's favorite pornstar: sexy, slutty, eager to please, but with intelligence and strong morals (I had to take the author's word on these last two qualities, given that Maya is neither given the chance to prove her intelligence nor forced to make any difficult moral decisions within the confines of the text). Dan is infatuated with Maya's body, but also manages to let his eyes roam enough to scope out other women as well. Females melt before him when he's working as a DJ at clubs, accompanied by other men who have similarly one-dimensional attitudes toward women. Basically, Dan doesn't need to have interesting relationships with women (or relationships with interesting women, for that matter) because he easily acquires what he wants from them: access to their bodies and to images of their bodies. Dan's attitude towards women and that of his friends is a textbook example of why many women don't feel comfortable working in the tech industry. While I find this perspective rather repulsive, it wouldn't be a big problem story-wise, except for that Dan becomes suddenly crushed when Maya is unexpectedly killed in an incident caused by the very Wizer technology Dan has been developing. I found Dan's spiral into depression over Maya's death to be trite and incongruous with the rest of the narrative; had Dsouza taken more time to develop Maya as an individual and allowed her and Dan the word count to overcome some obstacles together, her death might have seemed actually tragic. But other than a cursory mention of Maya's father's recent death, Dan and Maya spend most of their time flirting, talking dirty, fucking, or cyber-fucking. It's boring and sometimes offensive given how much time Dan spends obsessing over the details of Maya's body, which is the only part of her that seems to matter to him.
This book has two additional flaws. The first is that Dan somehow manages to completely miss what ought to be a major life lesson. Maya's death is the result of a terrorist organization using the Wizer technology to commit an act of violence. But after a few days spent shaking off the shock, Dan goes right back to work for the same people who leaked the technology to the terrorists in the first place. The men funding Dan's research assure him that the "bad apple" has been rooted out of the organization, but I found myself blown away by his readiness to accept this without question. Dan doesn't attempt to create software that would make the Wizer safer or difficult to use for violent acts. He simply keeps working on it and allows the money to roll in from his wealthy sponsors. What should have been a great opportunity for character growth turns out to be a bump in the highway to vast riches.
My last criticism has to do with the final act of the book, in which Dan uses the Wizer to create an avatar of Maya after her death. He programs this new "Maya" according to his memories of how she used to behave, and eventually enlists her brother to help him make her more lifelike. The Maya avatar allows Dan to keep doing what he likes doing best: stare at Maya's body. He doesn't seem too bothered by the fact that the avatar is merely Maya as she was remembered by other people, rather than a genuine representation of the actual woman whom he claims to have loved. I'm generally not bothered by futuristic scenarios in which people use mind-uploading or cryogenic freezing to resurrect dead people, but that's because those situations typically involve resurrecting the actual person as he or she once existed (or a digital representation of previously existing neural structure, at the very least). But it doesn't make sense to just "remember" someone; people are far too nuanced and mysterious for us to trust our infinitely shoddy human memories to reconstruct them in all their vast complexity! For me, this makes all the difference. The Maya avatar feels like an abomination––a flimsy placeholder allowing Dan to ignore the process of grieving for the real Maya and move on. His process of slowly adding programming to make the avatar more and more like the original Maya is sickening, because he's only using a combination of her online social profiles, his own memories, and the memories of others. I hate the idea that anyone could be reborn that way.
I shuddered when they figured out how to get the avatar to start talking:
"What do you remember, Maya?"
"You'll have to tell me, Dan. I forget, but you had the camera" (loc. 2327).
So, now Dan gets to chose what this new version of Maya is going to remember about who she was? To me, that's just creepy. It seems the epitome of the pornographic male fantasy that posits an alluring, vacuous female whose desires are tantamount to those of her male lover. While Dsouza seems to think that Dan's behavior is an emotional testament to his undying love for Maya, in my view nothing could be less respectful or honorable. I think a better title for the book would be Memories of Maya, because after the real Maya dies, there's no real woman for Dan to be "with." Only the fantasy is left, and with it the disturbing notion that perhaps the fantasy was all Dan wanted to begin with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2013
I happened to read this book by way of receiving a free copy from the author. I suppose one must call it a science fiction novel because it does paint a futuristic scenario in Augmented Reality and AI, even though many of the ideas outlined may be realized within a couple of decades rather than in a more distant future. The novel is an easy read but a little heavy on computer tech, which may make it somewhat inaccessible to those who are not enamored by computers.
The story starts out with a couple of young techno-buddies, Dan and Krish, working on futuristic ideas on Augmented Reality enhanced by Artificial Intelligence. Early on, a couple of interesting product ideas on AR are outlined but very little happens with the story for almost two thirds of the novel, except for a few sexual acts between Dan and Maya, who happens to be Krish's beautiful sister. Even the sex is enacted through teledildonics (real-time remote sex monitored by computers to enable orgasm)! Just as you look at the ever-advancing progress bar on your Kindle Reader and wonder as to what is in store for the rest of the novel, the story suddenly jolts itself into life with some violence and consequent deaths. This leads us into the moral and ethical dilemmas related to resurrecting a dead person digitally and making the digital surrogates create fresh and new memories for the living ones. However, these dilemmas are hardly delved into deeply by Dan or Krish, leaving the core story pretty much unaffected. As the novel ends, what remains utmost in the reader's mind are the cool product ideas on AR and AI. One of them is a wearable Wizer with advanced AI software running on it. It can read your eyebrows, nostrils and pupil movement and simultaneously refer a vast database using algorithms similar to what police interrogators do and provide real-time knowledge on what goes on the minds of the observed person. I thought it a pretty cool idea to build a sci-fi novel on. Unfortunately, the device's capabilities are hardly put to much use in stirring up the novel's plot.
The author does well to keep the reader guessing till the end as to when in the future the story is set, what the race and country of origin of Dan is or the city in which he is based. I tried to guess as I read the novel using some of the clues in the story line. The ideas behind AR and AI suggested that perhaps the events take place around 2030 or so, in my understanding of this area of technology. On the other hand, Dan and Krish are offered $1.2 mil for their ideas and they consider it substantial compensation. This suggests as if the novel is set around the late 1990s or even a few years earlier. Elsewhere, there is the reference to poor kids of Bombay studying under street lights and India's scientific institutions still hobbled by bureaucracy. That sounds very much like today's India. Alternatively, it could also mean that the author does not hold out much hope for India's fight on poverty and good governance. The timeline is finally specified in the last page but it doesn't really shake you up. There are a couple of clues to the city where Dan may be based in but it is difficult to nail it down beyond doubt.
My take on this novel was that it felt more like science and less like fiction because I felt that the story line is weak. If you take out the technological stuff, there is not much depth in the plot. Consequently, there is not much intrigue or excitement. There is some expectation after the violent events in the techno-club, but the expectations are belied. Science Fiction in my view, should primarily be fiction and secondarily only be science.
The story starts out with a couple of young techno-buddies, Dan and Krish, working on futuristic ideas on Augmented Reality enhanced by Artificial Intelligence. Early on, a couple of interesting product ideas on AR are outlined but very little happens with the story for almost two thirds of the novel, except for a few sexual acts between Dan and Maya, who happens to be Krish's beautiful sister. Even the sex is enacted through teledildonics (real-time remote sex monitored by computers to enable orgasm)! Just as you look at the ever-advancing progress bar on your Kindle Reader and wonder as to what is in store for the rest of the novel, the story suddenly jolts itself into life with some violence and consequent deaths. This leads us into the moral and ethical dilemmas related to resurrecting a dead person digitally and making the digital surrogates create fresh and new memories for the living ones. However, these dilemmas are hardly delved into deeply by Dan or Krish, leaving the core story pretty much unaffected. As the novel ends, what remains utmost in the reader's mind are the cool product ideas on AR and AI. One of them is a wearable Wizer with advanced AI software running on it. It can read your eyebrows, nostrils and pupil movement and simultaneously refer a vast database using algorithms similar to what police interrogators do and provide real-time knowledge on what goes on the minds of the observed person. I thought it a pretty cool idea to build a sci-fi novel on. Unfortunately, the device's capabilities are hardly put to much use in stirring up the novel's plot.
The author does well to keep the reader guessing till the end as to when in the future the story is set, what the race and country of origin of Dan is or the city in which he is based. I tried to guess as I read the novel using some of the clues in the story line. The ideas behind AR and AI suggested that perhaps the events take place around 2030 or so, in my understanding of this area of technology. On the other hand, Dan and Krish are offered $1.2 mil for their ideas and they consider it substantial compensation. This suggests as if the novel is set around the late 1990s or even a few years earlier. Elsewhere, there is the reference to poor kids of Bombay studying under street lights and India's scientific institutions still hobbled by bureaucracy. That sounds very much like today's India. Alternatively, it could also mean that the author does not hold out much hope for India's fight on poverty and good governance. The timeline is finally specified in the last page but it doesn't really shake you up. There are a couple of clues to the city where Dan may be based in but it is difficult to nail it down beyond doubt.
My take on this novel was that it felt more like science and less like fiction because I felt that the story line is weak. If you take out the technological stuff, there is not much depth in the plot. Consequently, there is not much intrigue or excitement. There is some expectation after the violent events in the techno-club, but the expectations are belied. Science Fiction in my view, should primarily be fiction and secondarily only be science.
September 3, 2013
Memories With Maya
What happens if you put together two technologically talented young guys with an optimistic outlook on life and give them a high level of fluency in software programming and computer technology? Well, along with having fun, much of what results is a prolonged brainstorming session, some cool ideas, a dash of naiveté and interesting technological breakthroughs. The excitement of the characters was palpable and the pace didn't slow until almost to thirds of the way into the story. In that sense they embody some of the technological zeitgeist of our time. The innovations they develop in Augmented Reality and connections to early stage Artificial Intelligence bring forward some exciting contemporary applications for emerging interfaces and environments such as Google Glass and Corning's smart glass in the home, entertainment and the marketplace.
While I didn't identify strongly with the characters or the night club scene they so much liked to play in, that didn't diminish my overall interest and enjoyment of the story. At times I longed for more in-depth descriptions of scenes and characters but I found the writing both sharp and clear and it moved along at a good pace.
One of the most interesting things about this story is the vision of incredible creative fluency the main characters have between the medium of technology and their creative inspirations. At first, their fluency and technical expertise seemed a little unrealistic but when looked at from the standpoint of accelerating technological evolution and innovation it all becomes possible. What artist or inventor doesn't long for this level of creative inspiration and fluency in crafting their ideas? The characters certainly are in the know and in the flow and at times this is dizzying and at times it is infectious.
Possibly the most interesting innovation and philosophical idea wrestled with in the story is the nature of memory and the boundary of our mortality. I am reminded here of an old short story called Walpurgisnacht by Roger Zelazny. Clyde Desouza has opened many doors here in Memories With Maya, I am interested to see which ones he goes through next.
What happens if you put together two technologically talented young guys with an optimistic outlook on life and give them a high level of fluency in software programming and computer technology? Well, along with having fun, much of what results is a prolonged brainstorming session, some cool ideas, a dash of naiveté and interesting technological breakthroughs. The excitement of the characters was palpable and the pace didn't slow until almost to thirds of the way into the story. In that sense they embody some of the technological zeitgeist of our time. The innovations they develop in Augmented Reality and connections to early stage Artificial Intelligence bring forward some exciting contemporary applications for emerging interfaces and environments such as Google Glass and Corning's smart glass in the home, entertainment and the marketplace.
While I didn't identify strongly with the characters or the night club scene they so much liked to play in, that didn't diminish my overall interest and enjoyment of the story. At times I longed for more in-depth descriptions of scenes and characters but I found the writing both sharp and clear and it moved along at a good pace.
One of the most interesting things about this story is the vision of incredible creative fluency the main characters have between the medium of technology and their creative inspirations. At first, their fluency and technical expertise seemed a little unrealistic but when looked at from the standpoint of accelerating technological evolution and innovation it all becomes possible. What artist or inventor doesn't long for this level of creative inspiration and fluency in crafting their ideas? The characters certainly are in the know and in the flow and at times this is dizzying and at times it is infectious.
Possibly the most interesting innovation and philosophical idea wrestled with in the story is the nature of memory and the boundary of our mortality. I am reminded here of an old short story called Walpurgisnacht by Roger Zelazny. Clyde Desouza has opened many doors here in Memories With Maya, I am interested to see which ones he goes through next.
March 14, 2014
Tour hosted by Booksniffer Review Tours.
Science Fiction is not something that I often read but I've been wanting to get more into it. I think that this was a good Science Fiction story. While I honestly did not understand half - probably more than half - of the techno talk that was fine with me. I was able to get the basic idea of what was going on there, which was enough to let me understand the story.
The main characters are mostly Daniel and Maya. Daniel works with Maya's brother Krish. Daniel and Maya have been having a casual relationship behind her brother's back. It seemed to me that Daniel had some commitment issues. He did not fully commit to Maya until he went to India to work on a project with her brother. Maya is in love with Daniel but is afraid that if she tells him it will scare him off. She tells him once he is in India and then they are fully committed to each other.
Then one night at a night club tragedy strikes. Maya is substantially injured that night. Daniel cannot deal with the grief of losing her and so he creates a Dirrogate of her. This is almost like a Digital copy of Maya in her likeness.
I found it heart breaking that Daniel went to this length to 'get Maya back.' He was so overtaken with grief that he would do anything to have her back in his life. And this was the result. This story raises some interesting questions. Is it even ethical to do such a thing? Is it really the same as having the person that you lost there with you? Can it really make the grief go away? Or make it not as hard to deal with? And the biggest question of all, in my opinion, is this: If you had the opportunity to bring back someone you lost in this way, would you do it?
I do recommend this for its thought provoking story and the questions that it raises. I give Memories With Maya 3.5 stars!
<3 Amanda Leigh
Also posted to: http://www.girlwithapenandadream.blog...
Science Fiction is not something that I often read but I've been wanting to get more into it. I think that this was a good Science Fiction story. While I honestly did not understand half - probably more than half - of the techno talk that was fine with me. I was able to get the basic idea of what was going on there, which was enough to let me understand the story.
The main characters are mostly Daniel and Maya. Daniel works with Maya's brother Krish. Daniel and Maya have been having a casual relationship behind her brother's back. It seemed to me that Daniel had some commitment issues. He did not fully commit to Maya until he went to India to work on a project with her brother. Maya is in love with Daniel but is afraid that if she tells him it will scare him off. She tells him once he is in India and then they are fully committed to each other.
Then one night at a night club tragedy strikes. Maya is substantially injured that night. Daniel cannot deal with the grief of losing her and so he creates a Dirrogate of her. This is almost like a Digital copy of Maya in her likeness.
I found it heart breaking that Daniel went to this length to 'get Maya back.' He was so overtaken with grief that he would do anything to have her back in his life. And this was the result. This story raises some interesting questions. Is it even ethical to do such a thing? Is it really the same as having the person that you lost there with you? Can it really make the grief go away? Or make it not as hard to deal with? And the biggest question of all, in my opinion, is this: If you had the opportunity to bring back someone you lost in this way, would you do it?
I do recommend this for its thought provoking story and the questions that it raises. I give Memories With Maya 3.5 stars!
<3 Amanda Leigh
Also posted to: http://www.girlwithapenandadream.blog...
February 16, 2014
I read book after an enthuasitic review on io9. Now, I think the best think is its brevity.
We have our protagonist Dan, beeing chased by beautiful women and dreaming up augmented reality (AR) gadgets. Now and then we have descriptions of how something could be achieved with AR. That are nothing new if you read a little bit about AR, and don't add to the plot.
In between Dan has sex. I hardly read erotica, so I can't really compare, but I found the sex scenes confusing and maybe using words like 'penis' or 'vagina' would helped to make a bit clearer what's going on. The only new idea I found in the story was an AR glove as a sex-toy. The characters were, for me, all boring and not ineresting - except our protagonist Dan, he really got on my nerves.
One thing the story does, is showing how a few ideas from the whole host of posthumanism could be implemented in the next few years via AR.
But iu could not really dive into the plot - it all rads like some absurd silicon valley playboy fantasy slash marketing. Dan is getting rich for having a few ideas, none of them really novel. It's never clear what the beaties that throw themselves at Dan actually like about the guy. Dan's friend Krish is doing a lot for him without Dan really returning the favors - not in necesarily a bad point about a story, but in thge context of this story it adds the feeling you read a wish-fulfillment fantasy. Fanfiction where the canon is press releases and marketing hype of tech-startups, and protagonist is claiming to ride the shockwave of the future but is too cool and sexy to actually do the work.
We have our protagonist Dan, beeing chased by beautiful women and dreaming up augmented reality (AR) gadgets. Now and then we have descriptions of how something could be achieved with AR. That are nothing new if you read a little bit about AR, and don't add to the plot.
In between Dan has sex. I hardly read erotica, so I can't really compare, but I found the sex scenes confusing and maybe using words like 'penis' or 'vagina' would helped to make a bit clearer what's going on. The only new idea I found in the story was an AR glove as a sex-toy. The characters were, for me, all boring and not ineresting - except our protagonist Dan, he really got on my nerves.
One thing the story does, is showing how a few ideas from the whole host of posthumanism could be implemented in the next few years via AR.
But iu could not really dive into the plot - it all rads like some absurd silicon valley playboy fantasy slash marketing. Dan is getting rich for having a few ideas, none of them really novel. It's never clear what the beaties that throw themselves at Dan actually like about the guy. Dan's friend Krish is doing a lot for him without Dan really returning the favors - not in necesarily a bad point about a story, but in thge context of this story it adds the feeling you read a wish-fulfillment fantasy. Fanfiction where the canon is press releases and marketing hype of tech-startups, and protagonist is claiming to ride the shockwave of the future but is too cool and sexy to actually do the work.
May 7, 2015
MAYA is the India edition of
Penguin|Randomhouse acquired rights to the book for India and S.E Asia, to bring hard science fiction to readers in India. Paperbacks still have a wider reach in the Asian Subcontinent, but digital (thanks to Amazon and Flipkart) is steadily gaining ground.
The aim with MAYA is to bring a different flavor of fiction to readers in India.
The epilogue to MAYA is currently under production as a 360 Virtual Reality motion comic - Many scenes were shot in 360 in the streets of Mumbai.
See the first trailer here:
CC: What if the Mayan's were right?
What use was time? In an era where people would soon be, immortal?
Our deceased loved ones, are reborn. They see and feel through us.
Digital Surrogates are all around us.
But sometimes, surrogates can hack our minds...
MAYA - A three sixty Virtual Reality motion comic... Coming soon.
Penguin|Randomhouse acquired rights to the book for India and S.E Asia, to bring hard science fiction to readers in India. Paperbacks still have a wider reach in the Asian Subcontinent, but digital (thanks to Amazon and Flipkart) is steadily gaining ground.
The aim with MAYA is to bring a different flavor of fiction to readers in India.
The epilogue to MAYA is currently under production as a 360 Virtual Reality motion comic - Many scenes were shot in 360 in the streets of Mumbai.
See the first trailer here:
CC: What if the Mayan's were right?
What use was time? In an era where people would soon be, immortal?
Our deceased loved ones, are reborn. They see and feel through us.
Digital Surrogates are all around us.
But sometimes, surrogates can hack our minds...
MAYA - A three sixty Virtual Reality motion comic... Coming soon.
March 10, 2014
Memories with Maya is a book that any sci fi enthusiast needs to pick up and enjoy for themselves.This is the type of book that is the hardest for me personally to review, I enjoyed it so much that I don’t want to give anything away. Memories with Maya by Clyde Desouza is a five star book. This incredible book was not only well written but he deserves accolades for creating such a seamless marriage of technologies, both digital and real, which made for an outstanding overall story. There’s a bit of a kleenex alert in some sections while others are thrilling, each section leads to the further development of the plotline. The technological possibilities that are raised are so very intriguing. I immediately thought of personal application and if Dirrogates (Digital Surrogates) are ever something that can be created I’m sure that I would not be the only military wife who immediately sign up. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2013
Having read Clyde Dsouza's, Think in 3D, I presumed Memories With Maya will have me Googling terms and running to Wikipedia every now and then. But I was pleasantly surprised that this was as much fiction as it was science! I instantly fell in love with the characters. I will always have great memories of Maya and Dan and even Krish. Their "Dirrogates" will always be hanging around in my head. And I agree with the earlier reviews. A plot point will turn this around and shock you making it unputdownable!
I hope that this is the kind of book that becomes a movie someday. Soon. Or a reality. Or both! Are the Google Goggle people listening?
I definitely recommend Memories With Maya. Read it!
P.S. If anyone reading this is working on all the technology described in this book, work overtime and make it happen now!
I hope that this is the kind of book that becomes a movie someday. Soon. Or a reality. Or both! Are the Google Goggle people listening?
I definitely recommend Memories With Maya. Read it!
P.S. If anyone reading this is working on all the technology described in this book, work overtime and make it happen now!
June 11, 2013
I grew up with a love for science fiction and technology that persists to this day. It's not surprising that Memories with Maya appealed to me; it's a hard science fiction novel that takes current technology and extends it to create a realistic vision of the near future. The overall concept of transhumanism is common to many cyberpunk novels, but this book focuses specifically on two aspects: augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI). DSouza does a good job of blending technological details with human interest. However, readers who are looking for an action-packed thriller or a romance novel will likely be disappointed. For those who appreciate hard science fiction, I'd definitely recommend this book.
March 20, 2014
Memories with Maya was a great read! I've read some of the best cyberpunk out there, and this story is one of the closest to current reality that I've ever read! Loved the twists and turns, it kept me guessing what was next. I have a knack to predict what's going to happen next in books and movies, but I was stymied here! And I loved that! I didn't see what was coming at all! The technology was well defined and understandable, as were the characters.
I really loved this book and HIGHLY recommend it to anyone looking for new cyberpunk style! And I could not put it down, I had to finish it that day!
I really loved this book and HIGHLY recommend it to anyone looking for new cyberpunk style! And I could not put it down, I had to finish it that day!
October 10, 2014
A very intriguing book on dealing with the moral issues that come along with advance technology. It makes some twists and turns that I didn't see coming and pulls on your emotions. It is a quick read, so take some time and check it out.
September 3, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. Touching. Recommended.
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