Book Review: Traumergy

Introduction

Patrick R. Carberry’s Traumergy is a science fiction and psychological thriller which explores of the intersection between technology, trauma, faith, and human identity. The protagonist and the concept of the novel is engaging, with an interesting setting based on the technology that drives the action and characters.

Summary of the Novel

The story revolves around Peter Morley, a leading neuroscientist who has developed a revolutionary technology he calls “Traumergy.” This technology allows a user to explore traumatic memories. Morley sees the positive aspects of such technology. As the narrative unfolds, however, it becomes clear that the implications of such power are far more complex and dangerous than Morley or anyone else could have anticipated. Morley identifies a conspiracy based on another stolen technology from MIT, as well as a murder. He works to find the truth using traumergy and identifies a timeline—which started in 33AD.

Analysis

Characters. The character development in Traumergy is sound. Dr. Morley is a well-crafted protagonist, whose idealism and moral conflicts drive the story’s tension. His journey from a man of science and a Christian with good intentions, to grappling with the unforeseen consequences of his work, is well-done. Supporting characters add depth to the narrative and are generally well-done, with each bringing their own perspectives on the ethical dilemmas posed by traumergy.

Setting. Carberry’s concept of “traumergy” is innovative and clever, with some uniqueness that makes for an interesting setting. Carberry’s knowledge of computer science and other technologies, as well as the FBI and investigative work, is sound.

Themes. The theme of “technology gone wrong” is done in a clever way, with the concept of “traumergy” adding a new twist on the meme. The interplay of themes of faith and science is approached with care, with plenty of uncertainty and opposing views. The idea that our memories, even the painful ones, shape who we are, is central to the narrative. Well done.

Plot. The plot is good, driving the reader to continue through suspense. There are some minor discontinuities. For example, in one scene, in which Morley is interviewing the thieves/murderers, the text reads:

After his short discourse, which he hoped would elicit a knee-jerk response, Morley left Servathon and the executives, but he knew he baited a trap.

Yet there is more dialogue after that, and two paragraphs later, we read

Morley stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

More troubling is a sudden shift that occurs about three-fourths of the way through the novel. The murders, stolen intellectual property, and uses of traumergy in these areas are left behind—some without resolution. Readers are now treated to a lot of dialogue and musings about technology, which might be able to prove the resurrection of Jesus. Although Morley’s faith has been mentioned throughout, it now takes center stage and seems to shift the purpose of the novel. The final chapter takes place in a large classroom, where professor Morley debates and engages with students about faith and science issues. While connected to the rest of the novel through traumergy, it leaves several key questions unanswered, and is a rather anti-climactic way to end an otherwise exciting plot. It is difficult to find a compelling climax or denouement.

Style and Quality

Carberry’s prose is engaging and thought-provoking, with a pace that keeps the reader invested. His descriptions of the traumergy technology are vivid and at times unsettling, effectively conveying the eerie atmosphere of a world where the lines between reality and memory blur. Carberry’s knowledge and research into police, the FBI, and technology is sound and believable.

I believe this is Carberry’s first novel, and as with many first novels, there is a lot of “telling not showing,” both during the plot and in relating backstories. While it doesn’t detract from the characterization or the plot, a developmental editor could help with turning exposition into action or flashbacks. This would make a good story even more compelling and suspenseful.

Some might find the long philosophical discussions (whether in dialogue or exposition) a bit heavy-handed, I didn’t find it so, although some were perhaps unnecessary or longer than needed.

All books have typographic errors, but there are a few minor ones here that should’ve been caught by an editor. “Its” where it should be “it’s,” extra or missing punctuation, “Boston Patriots” instead of “New England Patriots” (they haven’t been “Boston” since 1971). These are minor and most readers may not even notice. They do not detract from the story.

Summary and recommendation

One of the novel’s strengths lies in its ability to weave together a compelling plot with philosophical/religious questions, while giving us an exciting thriller along the way. Carberry also invites readers to ponder the nature of memory, identity, and the consequences of the past. A clever inciting technology, interesting and believable characters, and a good, driving plot, are perhaps overshadowed at times by a style of exposition and long discussion that slows the pace and removes the reader from the action.

Despite these critiques, Traumergy is a thought-provoking read that challenges our understanding of memory, identity, the ethical boundaries of scientific progress, and the possible interplay between science and faith.

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The author informed me that he is currently working on two sequels to the novel. The second version is 70% complete, so stay tuned!