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Cover of A Matter of Proportion

A Matter of Proportion

Written by Anne Walker

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Science FictionShort storiesWar storiesMedical fiction

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About this book

"A Matter of Proportion" by Anne Walker is a science fiction novel written in the late 20th century. The story explores themes of identity, human resilience, and the extraordinary lengths individuals will go to in the face of overwhelming challenges. Set against a backdrop of conflict and advanced technologies, it delves into the psychological and physical struggles of its characters as they navigate a harsh and demanding environment. The narrative follows Clyde Esterbrook and his comrades as they undertake dangerous missions in a war-torn landscape. Using advanced equipment like the inter-cortical encephalograph (ICEG), the story illustrates the intense teamwork and perilous situations the characters encounter. Clyde, who has undergone a groundbreaking brain transplant, brings a unique perspective as he grapples with his past identity while leading risky operations against their enemies. The plot intricately weaves together moments of tension and reflection, as the characters confront not only physical obstacles but also their personal motivations and fears in a quest for survival and meaning in a chaotic world.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in A Matter of Proportion, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 10 hours
  • advanced
  • dark
  • intense
  • thought-provoking

Anne Walker's "A Matter of Proportion" is a late 20th-century science fiction novel that plunges readers into a war-torn future where advanced technology clashes with deeply human struggles. The narrative centers on Clyde Esterbrook, a soldier who has undergone a groundbreaking brain transplant, granting him a unique yet challenging perspective on identity and existence. Leading dangerous missions with his comrades, Clyde navigates perilous environments and intense psychological battles, utilizing cutting-edge equipment like the inter-cortical encephalograph (ICEG). The story intricately explores themes of human resilience, the quest for meaning amidst chaos, and the profound impact of overcoming overwhelming challenges, both physical and existential.

“"Proportion, they said, was the key to sanity. But how could one measure the self when the very vessel of thought had been remade?"”

Key themes

Identity and Consciousness
This is the central theme, explored through Clyde Esterbrook's brain transplant. The novel questions what constitutes identity when the physical brain is replaced, delving into the role of memory, experience, and consciousness in defining the self. It examines the struggle to reconcile a fragmented past with a present reality.
Human Resilience and Survival
The novel highlights the extraordinary lengths individuals will go to survive and protect their comrades in the face of overwhelming challenges. It showcases the physical and psychological endurance required to operate in a harsh, demanding, war-torn environment, emphasizing the human spirit's capacity to adapt and persevere.
The Ethics and Impact of Technology
Walker explores the dual nature of advanced technologies like the inter-cortical encephalograph (ICEG) and brain transplantation. While these technologies enable survival and combat effectiveness, they also raise profound ethical questions about human alteration, control, and the potential for unintended consequences, blurring the lines between human and machine.

Worth discussing

How does Clyde Esterbrook's brain transplant challenge conventional notions of identity and self? Is he the same person as before?

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