"Toward Eternity" by Anton Hur is a thought-provoking and eloquent exploration of human existence and the quest for meaning in a transient world.

Toward Eternity by Anton Hur is an interesting book about immortality, ghosts in the machine, and sorrow. It’s got a bevy of well developed characters, and engaging mystery, and an engaging pace, making the story one that, for the most part, you want to keep reading.

However, while Hur has interesting ideas, unfortunately his original fiction falls into the same pitfalls as his translation work. It’s frankly just kinda boring. While this has nothing to do with the plot or characters themselves, Hur struggles to make one sentence all that different from the next. While they may vary in length, they don’t really vary in structure, tone, or energy. No single sentence stands out as being particularly clever, no single sentence stands out as being particularly funny, no single sentence stands out as having a voice. And unfortunately this leads to a rather tired and rote reading experience. Especially as the book features multiple characters. While the characters are distinct in their personality, motivations, cares, and dialogue, unfortunately their inner monologues all sound exactly the same.

Tldr; Despite a really strong everything else, Hur needs to workshop his prose.

This book is absolutely incredible. It is the intersection between speculative fiction and speculative literature. Speculative poetry? I was simultaneously heartbroken and restored reading this.

I haven’t read a story this reinventive in a very long time. It begins with humans having developed a cure for cancer; nanites are able to replicate organs. The twist is that since nanites never die, the person who is cured of cancer or whatever disease the nanite eradicate, also never die. There are personal, familial, societal consequences to the nanite therapy and Towards Eternity plays these out from one generation to the next. The timeline starts in the near future and extends by a couple generations, then a couple hundred years, then a millennium and then beyond. The book is an examination of a type of evolution and the interconnection of scientific discovery and humanity.

There were two things I really liked about this book and one is that Hur allows the story to come to the reader. There are ethical questions that surface in the story. There are questions as to the definition of what it means to be human and what makes a being a human being. Or what is the tipping point to artificial humanity? These questions are there but I never felt that Hur constructed the story with deliberation to raise these questions. There is no consciousness by the reader of an author in the background manipulating the characters or storyline so that we are forced to reach a certain conclusion. I didn’t feel like Hur had a moral to the story that he wanted to convey, just a very interesting and thought-provoking tale. It’s the kind of story that’s good for deep discussions with friends.

The other thing I really liked about this book is that the United States was not central to the story in any way. I’m not sure it was ever mentioned - the primary characters are South African and Korean and then the timeline of the world moves on and the nations we know today are no longer defined - other powers have taken their place. I feel I am as patriotic as anyone. I am proud of my country and the constitution and the possibilities of what this country can still be. But it’s an election year and frankly election years are tough on the psyche the last couple decades. There’s a a weight being carried by U.S. citizens that I don’t recall being so heavy in my younger years. So it was nice to be in a world where the United States is not central - where people are thriving or struggling, discovering and creating, without thought to U.S. politics and influence.

This review in no way does justice to Toward Eternity. It’s a good book - one that I’d recommend to a wide variety of people. Thanks to #Netgalley, the author and HarperVia for the free ebook copy.

I know that the word "triumphant" is overused when talking about books, but to call this anything short of triumphant would do it a disservice.
I'm a great believer in the fact that every great translator must also be a great writer, and Hur's English language literary debut very much proves that. TOWARD ETERNITY reads like the work of a seasoned, skilled writer.
TOWARD ETERNITY expertly treads the line between litfic and genre. The book starts off in a quiet way, deeply rooted in a near-present not very different from our own, only to slowly build and expand its scope. I'm not normally a sci-fi reader, but I found this approach to make it so easy to dive into the story and be willing to follow it to any place it chooses to go, regardless of how outlandish.
This novel is a posthumanist's dream, as it explores the essence of what makes us humans, the things that help us preserve or create this humanity, and the limits of evolution and how far evolution can go while we can still preserve some sense of humanity. It is a book about the contrast between the permanence of art vs. the ephemerality of our human condition, about poetry and music and what lives beyond language, in the gaps we leave behind. It is a story about hope and survival and creating new versions of ourselves to live on. Ultimately, it is a story about love, and it being the thing that will outlive us and keep some version of ourselves alive.
It's marvelous how such a tender, quiet story can pack such a punch.

Anton Hur is best known as a translator of Korean literature (e.g. of Bora Chung), and Toward Eternity is his debut as a novelist.

It is an ambitious mix of sci-fi and literary fiction, spanning many generations deep into the distant future. It starts with Yonghun, a PhD in 19th century poetry turned AI-programmer, developing an AI that reads poetry. As he and his husband move to South Africa, he is employed by the Beeko Institute who work on a technology to replace body cells with so-called nanites and thus achieve immortality. When Yonghun is diagnosed with cancer the Institute selects him as guinea pig and he becomes Patient One.

I found it beautifully done, Hur's love for poetry shines through even of the plot remains central. It reminded me of Cloud Atlas.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I got halfway through this book and finally decided that it just wasn’t for me. Maybe it’s just too much science or over my head, but I found myself drifting off each time I was reading it.

I love the concept of this book, but it’s just not for me.

Thank you for the ARC. Unfortunately, this book just couldn’t capture my attention. I get that a hook is sometimes to be vague to keep people curious. However, in this case, I feel that too much was vague, making it hard to follow.

An interesting read by the end but I wasn't drawn in at the beginning.

If you enjoy poetry and philiosophy I think you would like the first part of the book. Unfortunately, I found it confusing and difficult to relate to. I also didn't feel I got to know the characters that well and sometimes struggled to understand who they were and how they knew each other. It might have been mentioned or hinted at and I missed it but it added to my confusion.

However, further into the book I found it more interesting. I wanted to read on and discover how the future would pan out and I was pleased I'd struggled through the first part of the book.

It's a good book, just not for me.

This is a brilliant book. Speculative sci-fi based in a near-future world progressing to eternity. A new technology has been developed which permits replacing human cells with nanites and this helps in the cure of terminal disease practically making humans immortal. One of the beneficiaries of this treatment develops an AI unit infused with emotion and an appreciation for literature, language and poetry called Panit. The fusion of Panit with a human body sets the ball rolling for a series of evolutionary beings. An autocratic AI managed corporation meanwhile is trying to use the technology for its own war-oriented policies. The story is told from multiple points of view spanning centuries. The beautiful melding of prose and poetry is lyrical. The author delves into concepts of human consciousness vs physical body, the lasting echoes of love and a concept of immortality through memories. There is a lot to gain from each subsequent reading of this book. It is not hardcore sci-fi but one with a strong philosophical twist. Not for everyone but I loved it.
Thanks you HarperVia, Netgalley and Anton Hur for the ARC

I had a great time with this story, but the pacing is slow. It’s told in journal entities over the span of centuries. Therefore, it becomes distant. I cared about the characters, but wasn’t actually connected to them. That’s not really the point in my opinion. This book is for those who love poetry, language, and questioning what makes us human. It’s introspective and esoteric, but so beautiful. Take your time with this one and think about what the future can hold. While this story speaks of world destruction it remains hopeful as humanity moves constantly toward eternity.

I struggled with this novel a bit. I haven't read any of Hur's translation work, but I would be interested to read other novels he's given a voice to.

When the story is sold as Kazuo Ishiguro and Emily St. John Mandel put together, you have both intrigued me and set the bar very high. I don't think either one of those authors could be upset with this comparison.

This is a story told through diary entries provided by different but related narrators. This is a story that starts in the near future and ends in the far, far distant and ultimately unrecognizable future. This is a story of what amazing and frightening things science can help us do, however, there are also consequences to every action we take, even to the smallest degree.

But this is also a story of the enduring power of words and love in the face of the both rapid and inexorable change of time. This story is both so deep and also so easily readable that I read this in two sittings but felt like I could be reading it for a month and still not get every nuance. I love slow and melancholy speculative fiction and this book is a fabulous addition to my hyper-specific collection.

Wow, I am blown away by this masterpiece of humanity and artificial intelligence. Filled with philosophical conundrums, this book is both thought-provoking and heartwrenching at parts.

Told in the form of journal entries over multiple centuries, you’re thrust into a world of AI…a world where AI intersects with humanity and ALL THE LAYERS it entails.

There’s a fine line between what we are, what they are, and what we can be together and Anton Hur masterfully weaves together a future that doesn’t seem so far-fetched.

A truly remarkable and eye-opening science-fiction piece that is more realistic than we could ever imagine. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance copy.

In this world, cancer is eradicated through a revolutionary therapy where the body's cells are replaced with nanites—robotic or android cells that not only cure but also grant virtual immortality. This intriguing premise sets the stage for a thought-provoking narrative that spans centuries.

The story centers on Yonghun, a literary researcher who teaches an AI to understand poetry, creating a sentient machine he names Panit, meaning "Beloved," in honor of his husband. Dr. Beeko, the patent holder of the nano-therapy technology, learns of Panit and transfers its consciousness into an android body, giving Panit autonomy and life. As Yonghun, Panit, and other nano humans thrive and begin to replicate, their development leads them to a crossroads with existential consequences.

Despite its fascinating premise and the philosophical questions it raises, "Toward Eternity" lacks a traditional overarching plot. Instead, it unfolds as a centuries-long progression of events involving various characters at different points in time. This narrative style is both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, it allows for a broad exploration of the implications of immortality and artificial life; on the other hand, it makes it challenging to form a strong connection with any single character.

The book is undoubtedly thought-provoking, delving into themes of immortality, identity, and the essence of humanity. However, the lack of a cohesive plot and the frequent shifts between characters can make it difficult for readers to engage deeply with the story. While each character's experience is interesting, the brevity of their involvement can prevent the development of a deeper emotional connection.

"Toward Eternity" excels in its imaginative and philosophical exploration of a future shaped by advanced technology. For readers who enjoy speculative fiction that challenges conventional ideas and prompts reflection, this book offers a unique and stimulating experience. However, those who prefer a more character-driven narrative with a clear plot may find it less satisfying.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

I’ve probably only read a couple of translated works by Anton Hur but I’ve followed him for a while now and know how much of a strong voice he is for the translator community, so I was very excited for this debut novel. And it’s one of those rare occasions where I went into it not knowing anything, and I would recommend anyone do the same.

This book turned out to be an experience I feel unqualified to review. It may be a thrilling sci-fi dystopian adventure showing us the high technological advancements our world is hurtling towards, but more importantly it’s a treatise on what it means to be human, what it means to be an artist, what immortality does to humanity when there is no death, is anything more immortal than works of art and poetry that transcend time and lives, the impact of language and memory and art and poetry on the evolution of human consciousness when mortal flesh and blood gets replaced with technology- this book is full of thought provoking questions and pondering with no easy answers, but as it came to that stunning end, I was left tearing up while listening to the audiobook in the gym.

The writing is sublime, the journal entry format across time and generations and species a very unique way of making us feel for every pov we read through, and a full cast audiobook that makes for a truly immersive experience. And wow that end, the moment the relevance of the title hit me in the face - I’m still thinking about it days after. What a marvel of a book..!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 3.5 stars
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
Toward Eternity is story that takes place over many years where nanotechnology is discovered as a curse for cancer and the progression of that development.

“What else can we be but stories of ourselves that we tell ourselves.”

I was blown away by the beauty of the cover, which is why I wanted to read this story. Sometimes, a beautiful cover is all it takes haha. I haven’t really read this genre before, but I was curious to see what the story would be like.
One thing I really liked about the story is the way it is written as some sort of diary entry in a notebook that is passed on to the next character. It was a creative way to tell the story! It was also a clever way to be able to dive into the minds of different characters as they put their thoughts to paper.
A big driving force of the whole book is poetry, as the AI, Panit, that is at the centre of the whole story is built on it. I really like that idea, but as someone who doesn’t really read or understand poetry, I wasn’t really feeling all the poems told.
Every chapter is told from a different POV, and the book is divided in different sections that all take place years after the previous one. While at no point in this book a year is told, I was curious how far along we got into the future between the first and last chapter.
While I liked and understand the different POVs throughout the story, it does make it a bit harder to really connect with the characters, since their presence is sometimes rather ‘short’. The older characters are the once that come back the most, even just in mentioning.
It was a bit hard to keep up with all the history as the story spans over many decades. The most complex in my opinion was how the “history” in the last part of the story hadn’t even happened in the first part. I think it might’ve been better if years were given somehow, to better place the parts on the timeline.
The most interesting thing about the book is the questions I kept asking myself about the progress of technology and how it might correlate to the real world we live in. I love that the most about this book, how it made me think so much! And while I did love that, at the same time the story itself confused me and I feel like I also didn’t really understand it to the fullest.
Overall, Toward Eternity was a very interesting book with a clever concept, but one that was hard to grasp at times.

This book is a captivating mix of dystopian adventure, mythical wonders, and deep thoughts that kept me hooked from start to finish.

What really grabbed me was how the story combines gods, magic, and fantasy elements into a world on the brink of collapse. It's like being whisked away into a realm where anything is possible, yet danger lurks around every corner.

I loved how each chapter feels like a personal journal entry, passed from one character to the next, creating a bond between the reader and the characters as their stories intertwine. But what truly resonated with me was the way the book delves into the big questions about life, memory, and what it means to be human in a world driven by technology. It's like peeling back the layers of existence to uncover the truth hidden beneath.
Despite its deep themes, the story doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of life. Loss, grief, anger – they're all part of the journey, reminding us of our own fragility.

Yet, through it all, there's a sense of hope. "Toward Eternity" paints a picture of humanity's resilience, showing that even in the darkest of times, there's always a flicker of light to guide us. It is a captivating adventure that will leave you pondering long after you've turned the last page. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a captivating blend of dystopian fiction and philosophical exploration.

Toward Eternity is a rather alternative dystopian read. It features AI, robotics but also a lot of art. I feel like there was a hidden message in the book saying: "Humans may once go extinct, the work they left behind won't ever go away. It will flourish the earth and make it even more beautifull." I feel like art is a real big deal in this book in addition to some science-fiction vibes. The pace was really fast and the whole of the story was hard to understand since every character gets only one or rarely two chapters in the each of the parts. Therefore I feel like this story lacked a bit of a storyline, even though it had a clear read line.
I wished there was more of a storyline and maybe more depth to each of the characters and their backgrounds. I didn't enjoy this book as much as I hoped I would, however I feel like this book is really great for other readers. I feel like it just wasn't my cup of tea, but I still enjoyed it. Therefore I give it a 2,5 star rating.

This book is very beautiful and at the same time a little strange. I mean that in the best possible way. I think the writing style and plot is brilliant and adds a touch of uniqueness and beauty to it. The language used and ways of tying the story together and beautiful and done with such obvious care. It is clear to see that Hur put their heart and soul into this debut.

The story is engaging and expansive. We have multiple themes interview including the ideas of ancestry, death, love, loss and humanity. If you are looking for a novel that will keep you captivated and offer an unique experience this is one for you. I cannot wait to see what future works Hur will offer us.