A Memory Called EmpireA Memory Called Empire
Score Modern
What it's about
Mahit Dzmare is the new ambassador from Lsel, a small, independent mining station, to the vast Teixcalaanli Empire, whose poetry-loving culture she has admired all her life. When she arrives in the capital, she learns her predecessor is dead, and no one will say how. She carries a device in her head holding his memories, but they're fifteen years out of date. To save her station, she has to solve his murder while navigating the empire's politics.
Why it's worth reading
It won the Hugo Award. It's a smart political thriller and a story about colonialism, language and identity.
You'll love it if you liked
The Left Hand of Darkness
The Diamond Age
HyperionGood to know
The names and politics take a while to learn; there's a glossary. It's the first of a duology.
By the numbers
- Readers63 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics89 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller36 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Buzz26 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #20 of the 313 science fiction books we rank
- #27 of the 459 fantasy books we rank
- #102 of the 1,573 modern books we rank
- #202 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Thought-provoking, Adventurous, Dark
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Quick answers
Is A Memory Called Empire worth reading?
Yes. It won the Hugo Award. It ranks #202 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 83.5 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is A Memory Called Empire about?
Mahit Dzmare is the new ambassador from Lsel, a small, independent mining station, to the vast Teixcalaanli Empire, whose poetry-loving culture she has admired all her life. When she arrives in the capital, she learns her predecessor is dead, and no one will say how. She carries a device in her head holding his memories, but they're fifteen years out of date. To save her station, she has to solve his murder while navigating the empire's politics.
How long does it take to read A Memory Called Empire?
About 12 hours (464 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What awards has A Memory Called Empire won?
Hugo Award winner (2020); Hugo Award winner (2022, for A Desolation Called Peace).
What should I read after A Memory Called Empire?
If you liked it, try The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin, The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson or Hyperion by Dan Simmons.