A fragmented investigation intertwines the story of a man searching for answers about a mysterious surveillance machine used during Argentina’s last dictatorship with the rise of a future virtual reality network where digital avatars of the dead persist, blurring the boundaries between memory, language, and technology. Through shifting timelines, multiple narrative forms, and philosophical reflections, the novel explores how trauma, obsession, and the evolution of artificial intelligence reshape identity and the very fabric of reality.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a near-future Argentina and spanning from the era of the 1970s dictatorship to a dystopian 2040, the novel weaves together multiple narrative threads, including the investigation of a mysterious machine used for surveillance during the dictatorship, the obsessive research of a protagonist named Keiner, and the development of a virtual reality network called Treffen and its shadowy sector Die Toteninsel, where digital avatars of the dead persist. The story unfolds through a fragmented structure: transcriptions of cassette recordings, diary entries, interviews, and theoretical reflections, all interlaced with philosophical and linguistic meditations. Central to the plot are the intertwined fates of Keiner, his lost love Katy, the enigmatic Miguel Jemand, and Haruka, a Japanese programmer who adapts the old surveillance technology into a new, world-altering virtual platform. The narrative explores themes of memory, language, technology, and the lingering trauma of political violence, often blurring the lines between fiction, essay, and investigative report.

Readers highlighted the book's intricate structure and intellectual ambition, praising its use of multiple voices, timelines, and documentary materials to create a dense, immersive experience. Many appreciated the depth of research evident in the references to obscure books, real historical events, and technical details about programming and artificial intelligence. The philosophical engagement with language, memory, and the construction of identity was frequently cited as a strength, as was the atmospheric depiction of a melancholic, hyper-technological world. The portrayal of virtual spaces, especially Die Toteninsel, and the exploration of how digital remnants of the dead persist in new forms, resonated with readers interested in the intersection of technology and human experience. Several reviews compared the novel favorably to works by Ricardo Piglia, William Gibson, and Umberto Eco, noting its capacity to provoke reflection and its relevance to contemporary issues.

Some readers found the novel challenging due to its density, non-linear structure, and frequent use of academic or theoretical language, which could feel pretentious or overly intellectual. The fragmented narrative and abundance of references sometimes made it difficult to follow the plot or connect emotionally with the characters, leading to feelings of confusion or fatigue. A number of reviewers mentioned that the pacing could be slow, especially in the 'Materiales' sections, and that the accumulation of citations and technical information occasionally overwhelmed the story. For some, the book's refusal to provide clear resolutions or to tie up all narrative threads left the experience feeling incomplete or unsatisfying.

The book has been described as occupying a space between genres, combining elements of horror, cyberpunk, science fiction, and literary fiction, and was published in both noir and experimental literary imprints. It has generated significant discussion among readers, with some suggesting it would lend itself to forums or group analysis due to its complexity and the number of interpretive possibilities it opens. The novel's engagement with Argentine history, particularly the legacy of the dictatorship, and its speculative vision of the future, position it as a notable example of contemporary Latin American science fiction. The average reader rating is high, and the book has attracted both enthusiastic advocates and readers who struggled with its demands, reflecting its polarizing but impactful nature.