Exhalation

2019

What does it mean to be human, or to exist in a vast and mysterious universe? In "Exhalation: Stories," Ted Chiang tackles these fundamental questions through nine exquisitely crafted tales that blend philosophy, science, and human emotion. From a fabric seller in ancient Baghdad who must confront past regrets in "The Merchant and the Alchemist’s Gate," to an alien scientist who makes a universe-shattering discovery in "Exhalation," and a near-future world where glimpses into alternate realities force a reevaluation of choice and free will in "Anxiety Is the Dizziness of Freedom," each story pushes the limits of imagination and explores the boundaries of what we know. Featuring both new and classic work, "Exhalation" is an epic showcase of Chiang's unparalleled talent, and a profound journey that will leave readers questioning their place in the vast expanse of the cosmos.