The Lifecycle of Software Objects
"The Lifecycle of Software Objects" is a novella by American writer Ted Chiang originally published in 2010 by Subterranean Press.[1]
 Hardcover edition | |
| Author | Ted Chiang |
|---|---|
| Original title | The Lifecycle of Software Objects |
| Cover artist | Christian Pearce |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Science fiction novella |
| Publisher | Subterranean Press |
Publication date | 2010 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
| Pages | 150 pp (first edition, hardback) |
| ISBN | 978-1-59606-317-4 (first edition, hardback) |
| OCLC | 567188308 |
Background
This is Chiang's first novella to be published originally in hardcover. As of December 22, 2010, both the first edition and trade edition had sold out, but the novella remains available in second printing from Subterranean Press's website.[2] The tale was later included in Chiang's second collection book Exhalation: Stories released in 2019.
The Subterreanean Press edition of the novella features ten internal paintings and cover art by Weta Workshop artist Christian Pearce.[3] Each of the novella's ten chapters is preceded by a map designed by Jacob McMurray.
Story
"The Lifecycle of Software Objects" follows former zoo trainer Ana Alvarado over a twenty-year period, during which she "raises" an artificial intelligence from what is essentially a digital pet to a human-equivalent mind.
Awards
“The Lifecycle of Software Objects” won the 2011 Locus Award for Best Novella[4] and the Hugo Award for Best Novella.
References
- Archived December 11, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
- Chiang, Ted. "The Lifecycle of Software Objects by Ted Chiang — Subterranean Press". Subterraneanpress.com. Archived from the original on 2012-03-07. Retrieved 2014-02-16.
- "Christian Pearce". Christian Pearce. Retrieved 2014-02-16.
- "Announcing the 2011 Locus Award Winners". Tor.com. 2011-06-25. Retrieved 2014-02-16.