"Altered Carbon" is a science fiction novel set in a future where consciousness can be transferred between bodies, allowing for immortality. The story follows Takeshi Kovacs, a former soldier who is hired to investigate a wealthy man's murder. Kovacs exists in a new body after being dormant for centuries, leading to themes of identity and humanity's relationship with technology. This premise raises challenging questions about what it means to be alive and the implications of such radical advancements.
The narrative explores a richly constructed world filled with advanced technology, neo-noir elements, and socio-economic divides. The wealthy can afford to live indefinitely by switching bodies, while the poor struggle to subsist. Kovacs navigates this stark contrast as he delves into the murder mystery, confronting the power dynamics that govern society. The story is also a commentary on personal agency and the consequences of erasing one's past.
