A woman trapped for 58 years in the body of a five-year-old must perform as a child to survive under the absolute control of her abusive "father," who rules a simulated colony world where dissenters are deleted. Exploring themes of autonomy, power, and the nature of reality, the story follows her desperate bid for freedom as a rare outside Technician arrives, offering a slim chance to escape her digital prison.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a simulated colony-planet called Bella Inizio, the story follows Ella, a woman who has been forced to live as a five-year-old child for fifty-eight years by the colony’s founder, Philip Harkin, who wields absolute control over the simulation. The novella explores themes of identity, autonomy, and power, as Ella’s survival depends on her ability to convincingly play the role of a child under the constant threat of deletion for herself or anyone who tries to help her. The plot is driven by the arrival of a Technician from the world above, an event that occurs every sixty years and represents Ella’s only hope for escape. The narrative incorporates elements of science fiction such as nested simulated realities, corporate control over colonists’ lives, and the ethical dilemmas of technological power, while also delving into the psychological effects of long-term captivity and emotional abuse.

Readers praised the novella’s pacing, concise storytelling, and the depth of its main character, Ella, whose perspective as an adult mind trapped in a child’s body was described as both chilling and compelling. The worldbuilding and the gradual revelation of the simulation’s nature were highlighted as strengths, with several reviewers noting the effective integration of complex science fiction concepts like pocket universes and simulated realities. The handling of moral and philosophical questions—such as the nature of reality, the consequences of unchecked authority, and the complicity of bystanders—was frequently cited as thought-provoking. Many readers found the story emotionally resonant, particularly in its depiction of power imbalances, the impact of grief, and the ethical challenges faced by the characters.

Some readers expressed dissatisfaction with the novella’s brevity, feeling that the short length limited the development of secondary characters and the exploration of its larger ideas. Criticisms included a rushed or abrupt ending, a lack of detailed explanation for certain plot elements, and confusion regarding the mechanics of the simulation and the motivations of some characters. A few reviewers found the dynamic between Ella and her father uncomfortable or difficult to follow, and some felt that the narrative’s reliance on exposition or afterword explanations detracted from the story’s clarity. There were also comments about the prose being straightforward or lacking in stylistic flair, and concerns about unresolved plot points or inconsistencies in the worldbuilding.

The book is Mary G. Thompson’s debut novella for adults, following her previous work in children’s and YA fiction. It was published by Tachyon Publications and has received an average reader rating of 4.19 out of 5 from 42 ratings and 18 full reviews. The story’s structure and content have led some readers to express interest in further works set in the same universe or from different character perspectives. The author’s afterword, which discusses her writing process and intentions, was noted by some as helpful for understanding the story. The novella has been compared to other science fiction works dealing with simulated realities and has been described as suitable for readers interested in philosophical and ethical questions within a science fiction context.