"Afterglow" is a speculative science fiction novel by Greg Egan about a world attempting to rebuild after an apocalyptic nuclear attack on semiconductor foundries in Taiwan causes worldwide silicon shortages and geopolitical issues.
- Synopsis
The novel is set in the year 2040, in the aftermath of a nuclear attack on semiconductor foundries in Taiwan that has left the world without access to silicon. The attack has caused widespread economic and political upheaval, and the novel follows the efforts of a group of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to develop new technologies and rebuild the world.
- Characters
The novel follows a large cast of characters, including:
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Rachel Mendelssohn, a physicist working on a new type of solar cell that could replace silicon
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David Levy, a engineer working on a new type of computer that doesn't use silicon
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John Hoffman, a businessman who is trying to develop a new type of semiconductor
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Sarah Nguyen, a political scientist studying the effects of the silicon shortage on the world economy
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and many others.
- Themes
The novel explores a number of themes, including the impact of technology on society, the politics of technology, and the future of the world economy. It also examines the ethical implications of developing new technologies in the aftermath of a disaster.
Some years after an apocalyptic nuclear attack on semiconductor foundries in Taiwan, the world is struggling to rebuild. In the aftermath of the disaster, many countries are vying for control of the limited resources left behind. One of the most valuable commodities is now silicon, which is essential for the production of semiconductors.
As the world tries to recover, a team of scientists in Australia are working on a new type of silicon that could help to ease the shortages. However, their work is fraught with danger, as the new silicon is unstable and could lead to another disaster.
The novel begins with a prologue set in the year 2037, ten years after the nuclear attack. The prologue follows the perspective of a woman named Keiko, who was living in Tokyo at the time of the attack. Keiko recalls the events of the attack and the aftermath, including the widespread panic and chaos, the mass exodus of people from the city, and the eventual decision to abandon the city altogether. The novel then jumps to the year 2047, twenty years after the attack. The story follows the perspective of a man named Takeshi, who was born after the attack and now lives in a small village in the mountains of Japan. Takeshi is part of a team of scientists working on a new type of semiconductor that could help to alleviate the silicon shortages that have plagued the world since the attack. The team's work is cut short when their funding is suddenly cut off, and Takeshi is forced to find a new way to support himself and his family. The novel follows Takeshi as he tries to find a new way to make a living, and as he tries to come to terms with the events of the past and the changes that have been made to the world.
In the aftermath of a nuclear attack on Taiwan that has crippled the world's supply of semiconductors, the nations of the world are scrambling to rebuild. In the midst of this chaos, a group of scientists and engineers are working on a new type of semiconductor that could revolutionize the world. However, they are up against the clock as the world's supply of silicon is running out and they must find a way to produce their new semiconductor before the world runs out of silicon entirely.
As the scientists race against time, they must also contend with the political fallout from the attack. The United States is blaming China for the attack, and the two nations are on the brink of war. Meanwhile, the scientists must deal with the reality that their new semiconductor may be the only hope for the world, and that it could be used to create even more powerful weapons.
As the scientists work to create their new semiconductor, they must also grapple with the ethical implications of their work. They know that their new invention could be used to create even more devastating weapons, but they also know that it could be the key to saving the world from total destruction. In the end, the scientists must decide whether to use their new invention for good or for
The novel is set in the year 2060, after a nuclear attack on semiconductor foundries in Taiwan has caused a worldwide silicon shortage and geopolitical turmoil. The United States has been forced to ration electricity, and the internet has been shut down. The novel follows the lives of several characters as they attempt to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the attack.
Lily is a young girl living in San Francisco who is struggling to cope with the loss of her father in the attack. She turns to her grandfather, a retired engineer, for help in understanding the world around her.
Grandfather tells Lily about the history of the semiconductor industry and the events leading up to the attack. He also describes the efforts of the United States and other countries to rebuild after the attack.
Lily and her grandfather eventually travel to Taiwan to help with the reconstruction effort. There, they meet a young boy named Kaito, who is also trying to rebuild his life after the attack.
The three of them form a close bond as they work together to rebuild the semiconductor industry in Taiwan. Along the way, they must overcome many challenges, including political unrest and a shortage of resources.
The novel ends with the three of them looking to the future
When a nuclear attack destroys semiconductor foundries in Taiwan, the world is plunged into darkness. With no silicon for computer chips, the internet and global economy grind to a halt.
In the aftermath, the United States and China emerge as the two superpowers. The US imposes a blockade on Taiwan, preventing it from rebuilding its factories. China begins stockpiling silicon, hoarding the world's supply.
As the two nations compete for control of the remaining silicon, the world descends into chaos. Countries go to war over dwindling resources. The US and China fight a bloody conflict that devastates the planet.
In the end, the US and China agree to a truce. They agree to share the world's silicon equally. With the world's economy in ruins, the two superpowers begin the long process of rebuilding.
Silicon shortages and geopolitical turmoil have caused the world to collapse. In the midst of this, a group of scientists are working on a way to create a new type of semiconductor that does not rely on silicon. However, they are met with resistance from the military, who believe that the new technology will be used to create weapons. Meanwhile, the government is trying to control the population by rationing food and water. This leads to riots and civil unrest. The scientists are eventually able to create the new semiconductor, but it is too late. The world has already been destroyed.