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Impermanence

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Humanity has discovered the formula for regular maintenance and replacement of organs, and daily electronic backup of complete brain data. In an infinitely remote future, inhabited solely by women, life flows eternal and serene, seemingly invulnerable to any possible threat. At least until...

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About the author

Daniel Frisano

8 books5 followers
Daniel Frisano (1968-) was born in Udine, northeastern Italy. His native languages are Friulian and Italian. He lived in his native Friuli until the age of 30, when he moved to Spain. Having spent a few years between the French Alps, Israel, and Denmark, he currently resides in Monaco.

After obtaining a BA in Mathematics, he has been working mainly as a technical translator from English, German and Russian into his native Italian.

"Impermanence" is his first novella, originally written in Italian and excellently translated into English by Sarah Jane Webb.

The multifaceted Daniel is a semipro poker player, has completed several Ironman races and published 2 rock-blues albums.

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5 stars
53 (58%)
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18 (20%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for daemyra, the realm's delight.
1,301 reviews37 followers
December 30, 2018
Translated from Italian, Daniel Frisano's pulpy novella, Impermanence, explores a future society on earth where women exist without men.

After making earth's surface uninhabitable, as a result of our greedy and destructive reliance on fossil fuels, we were forced underground with men and women living in relative isolation from each other. Women discovered how to live forever and didn't really pass on this invention of immortality to men. Sorry guys.

Hawiya and Baxti are work friends at GraviDyn, a small-to-medium sized firm and Hawiya has a peculiar interest in ancient history and in particular the hominids that lived on earth before humans arrived. Of course this attracts the interest of the government in recruiting her for a top-secret confidential project...

I was expecting Frisano to hold the mirror up to our strange desire for immortality, but Impermanence left few answers or suggestions for why this supposedly serene society was experiencing technical difficulties. There was nothing particularly sinister about their society, or about the pockets of spontaneous death. The women get along well with each other but there is no romantic love or exploration of gender fluidity among the women, and it makes Impermanence quite a heteronormative read.

The history lesson Hawiya gives Ezrat is a funny scene of dialogue where Hawiya puts on her anthropologist/historian hat to hypothesize and explain the irrational things the hominids (i.e. us) cared about such as war, sports, race and money. Frisano also speaks to the drifting distance between men and women but the world-building simply is not there and I wished there was more or that what was there was refined a bit more. I sped through Impermanence but was left a bit unsatisfied.

Frisano's Impermanence starts off as a sci-fi work story, but it's pulp fiction through and through.
Profile Image for Sarah Woods.
95 reviews8 followers
August 10, 2017
A scary look into the future – how far would you go to deny your origins?
Definitely an interesting look at what the future could look like when women have achieved their goal of staying young forever (isn't that the idea pushed by all the cosmetics companies?) and, of course, done away with men altogether.
There are so many interesting themes here and it's almost scary to realise that they're not really too fantastical. Think fake news, manipulation of history, and propaganda.
Of course there's a rebel who thinks for herself and digs a little deeper. As it turns out, curiosity and perseverance may well be the qualities that change the world.
No spoilers - I'm not going to tell you the storyline. What I will say is that this book has you thinking for hours after you've read the last page. Definitely one for people who like to use their imagination and really ponder the issues raised.
The writing is excellent and always keeps you turning the page. My only difficulty was with the names of the characters. It's always a challenge reading a novel where the names are very unfamiliar. It does take a bit more effort. But hey, it wouldn't do to get too comfortable would it? Reading should always stretch the mind.
1 review
August 14, 2017
A friend of mine recommended me this book and I read it without hesitating. But the reality is that I actually fell in love with Impermanence`s plot as it is attention grabbing and full of intrigues.
I truly believe that Frisano`s novel is a must read for 2017, so I recommend it to all of those that enjoy reading Science Fiction books. What is interesting about this novel is the fact that it describes a world of female inhabitants in which no man was seen due to his extinction.

This novel challenges your imagination to think about the future of the world and how we as a human race will end up if we do not manage to live harmoniously with each other. Living in such joyless, sterile world of immortality may seem appealing, but between the lines you can definitely spot the sadness of the situation. I think Frisano`s novel makes you think about its story long after you have finished reading the book, which for me, it is a sign of a great author.
Profile Image for Mahwish Ahmar.
2 reviews4 followers
August 8, 2017
Not many people have such ideas regarding immortality the way this author has put a light on. Such a concept definitely needs to have a hell of a creative mind. The flow of words, and author’s writing style was smooth enough to create a whole story inside the reader’s mind without getting bored of it. The book was an absolute page-turner. If you’re a fan of sci-fi books then “Impermanence” is highly recommended.
1 review
August 14, 2017
I rarely read Sci-Fi fiction as I am not a fan of imagined stories and worlds. But this book caught my attention because of its rather odd topic: immortality in a world of only women. I will not elaborate that so I won`t give any spoilers, but I recommend it to all of you that enjoy traveling in a unique Sci-Fi world.
Daniel Frisano is a talented writer from whom I expect to read even more books. His plot twists will keep you awake long after bedtime. So, if you are looking for a new addition on your book list, Impermanence is the one for you. Awesome book!
Profile Image for Haniya Hadii.
1 review
August 7, 2017

So finally, I read the Story "Impermanence" I would say "Impressive". I think this is the story which is beyond to my expectation. It's a wonderful sci-fi story which is smartly written to explore harsh future reality. It's totally an imaginary story, when I was reading the story all scenes were playing in my mind. You can say it is mind capturing story. The one thing which writer describe beautifully is extinctness of men and yes, it is true because of their laziness this world will become the "World of Women" and immortal beings will win. You have to live forever and I must say forever alone. So, this story really touched my heart I read many stories but this is something different and different with perfection. I recommend everyone to read it once you will surely be as much satisfied as I am.

And last thing I want to say that Daniel, you did amazing job. Keep it up Bro.
1 review
August 12, 2017
Finally a book that makes you think! I read it all in one afternoon, then it stayed in my mind for days. The most interesting part is seeing our contemporary society in the eyes of supposedly "evolved" beings who reject the very notion that they could descend from us "hominids".

I wish the author had developed more the ideas. There are so many questions left unanswered...
1 review
August 8, 2017
I may still be "under the emotion" after reading this short but fantastic novella, and perhaps exaggerating, but... it's one the most beautiful stories I have ever read.
Profile Image for LauraAnn.
514 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2017
2.5 Stars

**I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book for and honest review**
****SPOILERS***

I really wasn't a fan of this book. I feel like there really wasn't much of a story here. Women rule the world. They are immortal because they learned how to replace the necessary organs to continue on. I feel like the dialogue in the book was the same and the conversations between the characters repeated over and over. I know this is a short book, but there really wasn’t much of a story here either. Women rule, woman questions things, gets called in by powerful people, gets told to her pregnant, and has a baby boy. There’s the story in one line. I couldn’t even picture this world the author was trying to paint to the readers. When I can’t connect to the world or the characters I have a hard time liking the book and finishing the book. This book took me a lot longer than it should have to finish.  Sorry!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mischa.
1 review
August 18, 2017
This is a great debut novella. It hits all the marks. It was originally written in Italian and translated into English, but no meaning is lost in translation. It takes place in what is supposed to be the future of Earth, and it’s honestly something that you could actually picture happening, which I’m sure is where the author was going with his idea. It even has subtle allusions to current events, framed as a part of the long ago past.

The characters are rounded, and in the short time you get to know them, you really develop an interest in them.

I couldn’t put this story down. I finished it in one sitting. Although it’s not long, it is well-written and captivating. I couldn’t recommend it enough.
Profile Image for Suzie.
85 reviews9 followers
August 11, 2017
Strong women provide the strong foundation for future generations to build upon . . .

In a futuristic world, women rule the world. Their belief was the male species caused too much misery and stress to their lives. Baxti and Hawiya existed in this culture. Hawiya’s curious of where their species originated. It seems that their past history is a mystery.

In this new age society, a person has the ability to exchange out body parts with something of their own interest. Hawiya had just undergone a procedure to exchange out the color of her eyes. They had a period that she could return them if they didn’t suit her.

When workers from Hawiya’s office begin to disappear and then are found dead in their homes it causes a great sense of panic. Could someone be intent on destroying this growing population? Or is there more to these deaths than meets the eye?

IMPERMANENCE is an exceptional Science Fiction novel. To add more depth and substance to its existence there is a well-plotted murder mystery that lends intrigue to the overall context of the story. This story is fascinating and keeps the reader on edge trying to guess what will occur next.

Daniel Frisano is an outstanding author. He has the future vision to write scenes that make you stop, reflect, and think could this actually be a picture of what is to come in the future? I found this story to be well developed, with characters that were strong and whose purpose was well defined. I highly recommend this novel, for it is one that has left a lasting impression.

1 review
August 14, 2017
The Impermanance is an excellent read. The character's are well developed, the pace of the story flows smoothly and naturally and the plot moved forward intelligently with no jarring transitions or long winded flashbacks. The morals discussed in the story regarding immortality are thought provoking without being proselytizing (what a relief). This story delivered more than I thought.
Ever made a wish? Ever wish to give it back? How many people have ever dreamed of living indefinitely and not growing old? How long could they really endure it? How long could the world handle it? Would it bring a paradise or a hell on Earth? How can it be fixed when the cause is lost to history? What could be the consequences of immorality. This book opened a new zoner of thinking. After reading i am still thinking about immorality. So many questions.
Mostly, though, the novel is an exciting, chase through the different social strata of this distorted society. It opened up my mind to a new set of thoughts. I am very well satisfied by the book. Good work by the author.
1 review
August 15, 2017
Great piece of work by Daniel Frisano. I had fun and great time reading this book. "Impermanence" is the sort of book that will keep you glued until the end and leave you wanting more. If there's sequel (I hope there'll be one), I’ll definitely get it.
There's no way to talk about the book without revealing much of the story, but what I liked was how well it was written, how the characters played out their roles and integrated well into the plot.

"Impermanence" is smooth and enjoyable to read, insightful and also thought provoking. It's the sort of book that you spend hours thinking about it after reading. It gave me a completely new perspective of the world. I like the concept of the story, it was refreshingly different and creative. It's always nice to have writers come up with fresh new ideas once in a while.

I highly recommend this book to all Sci-Fi lovers, looking for fresh concepts, thriller, and suspense. If you do get around to buying this book, I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Profile Image for Ana.
1 review
August 9, 2017
While I was searching for new books on Amazon, I stumbled upon this novel. There was little to none info provided by readers, but the plot summary made me consider buying it.
It is a story easy to read due to the manner in which the action was written and I strongly believe that this happens because of Frisano`s talent. Frisano wrote this short, but intriguing novel around a challenging topic: immortality and a life without men. What is even more appealing (at least for me because I am a fan of Sci-Fi stories) iis the fact that in the future imagined in the novel you will be able to change your human organs as you do with any piece of furniture or hardware.
I am glad I got to read this book and I recommend it to anyone who is interested in novels that try to outline how our future will look like. I highly recommend Impermanence to all of you that are passionate about Sci-Fi novels. You will love it!!
Profile Image for Sherin.
355 reviews10 followers
August 16, 2017
Impermanence is written by Daniel Frisano and for a debut novella, this one is great.

Originally written in Italian and translated to English by Sarah Jane Webb, Impermanence is a really short, entertaining and intriguing read.

This book takes an interesting concept of immortality, something humans have been and still are hunting for, and gives a new twist to it.

The book itself is fast-paced, has twists and turns and is thought provoking. While set in a different world, it would have been easier if the readers are familiarized with the new realm, but with a short book, I guess that’s difficult.

I started the book and finished reading it in a go, as the book kept me gripped and wanting to keep turning pages till I read through and know what happens! It shows evolution of human beings to immortality and how an incident brings them back to their roots.

If you are looking for an interesting, enticing and innovative read, you have it with Impermanence!
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews144 followers
August 5, 2017
ARC received for an honest review.
Thought Provoking! Eve💋 produces Adam🍎

The premise of this book is human immortality, which is achieved here by artificial growth of replacement parts. There are no males, they went extinct, so natural reproduction of new people is supposedly impossible. The women are basically immortal because everything is replaceable, even eyes and bones.
Recently, workers have been disappearing from the offices where Hawiya💋 works. They are found dead in their homes, all of their personal electronic data erased so they cannot be revived. The problem is upsetting the balance of the once stable human population.
The book was interesting in a way and well thought out. It's a short book and can be read in an hour or so.
2 reviews
August 10, 2017
This book exactly fulfills my ideal book criteria, as I always prefer to read books where women rule or which move around women’s life, some sci-fi, and most important presenting themselves as the dominant creature.

This book is amazingly appealing and fascinating. The writer is presenting a provoking thought of human life in the future which actually shows the remote and immortal future of human beings, especially women, who will rule over the world in coming time. The part that I found most entertaining is organ replacement. I think this is something new creeping into existence and I insist that the writer should write more books having such unique theme, along with his understandable writing flow and fascination. I highly recommend this book for readers having good taste of books.
Profile Image for Michaela Crutcher-Lord.
58 reviews5 followers
August 12, 2017
I loved this novel, thanks to its all-female cast and elaborate plot. Without giving details, immorality is their reality and the efficient attitude of the women is impeccable. You’ve glimpses into the future, and what can be- rebuildable organs, accessibility to eternity and the fountain of youth is what the characters experience, thanks to their manufacturers. However, like modern day, there is a feeling of suspense of what is truly the truth. Hawiya suspects the government’s behavior is masking what is truly going on, and from there, she begins the journey of her life. This science fiction novel is a smooth, enjoyable read and is worth your time to discover what can be possible.
Profile Image for Rick Martin.
3 reviews
August 15, 2017
What a story!! Rich multilayered characters and a suspenseful and unpredictable plot. It doesn't get better than this! There's thrills and spills to make it a page turner. For me it was the rich character development, character interaction and psychological aspects that make this a great story and read. I seek out debut novels as they tend to be more honest than the writing of more experienced writers who often seem to be lured off course by fame, fortune and laziness. This novel is genuine writing and I'm looking forward to this author's future work, hoping to find similar honesty. I'm recommending and/or gifting copies of this novel to all of my reading friends.
673 reviews4 followers
August 14, 2017
This was an interesting read of a society that was only women who had figured out how to replace parts in a preventative manner to live longer. Without giving any spoilers I did like the references that was done in the story. Some of them were very humorous and made you think of what would it be like if the same thing happened for real. I did receive an ARC from Hidden Gems for a honest review. A very clean read which hopefully will make you think of what if. Did leave it open for more to come without leaving it hanging so that have to buy next book.
1 review
August 17, 2017
If you’re a sci-fi bookworm, then you better get this book as part of your collection.

As many sci-fi novels are, Impermanence is set on a futuristic setting. It takes your mind to an ‘ideal’ world – a world without concepts of aging, war, racism, obsession, etc.

The flow and the characters in the story make you feel excited as you turn each page. This book actually reminds me of the movie Divergent but much better ;)

Note: This isn’t the ideal book to read if you want to fall asleep. Tried it but only left me sleeping at 3 in the morning.
1 review
August 7, 2017
What an original take on immortality! The plot is clever, although a bit repetitive at times. And it makes you think a lot...
1 review
August 12, 2017
I really enjoyed this story. On the author's bio it says that it's his first novella. I really hope that he will write more. And it would be just great if they made a movie out of this one!
Profile Image for Magda .
75 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2017
The concept is very interesting and creative. The writing is straightforward and simple. It's a good, easy read.
Profile Image for Leslie Ronish.
29 reviews
September 5, 2018
This book was very philosophical. I like that in books. Without that aspect this book would make no sense.
Profile Image for Ken.
381 reviews35 followers
January 24, 2019
Short but thought provoking story about women being immortal and men having gone extinct. Though kindle marked it as 103 pages, it read Like a 10 pager.
5 reviews
August 28, 2017
This book is more than each typical book we run over everyday. The writer made an incredible showing with regards to by writing in an example which picture future scenes that influence you anticipate what lies in the future and think could this really be a photo of what is to come later on? This story is intriguing and keeps the peruser nervous endeavoring to think about what will happen next. I observed this story to be all around created, with characters that were solid and whose intention was all around characterized. I very prescribe this novel, for it is one that has left an enduring impression that makes you think fast ahead of other on what the future will look like.
1 review
August 7, 2017
Great story! Goes from lighthearted to satirical to downright scary... a couple of passages sent shivers down my spine. And the author builds a very interesting and convincing universe. Who know, this could be the REAL future of humanity!
1 review
August 8, 2017
Very nice book. This is one of my best books,Story was great ,suspense was great ,everything was superb.
Thanks for such a wonderful story
2 reviews
August 13, 2017
Amazing book! I would have given this book 6 stars but amazon didn’t had the option. There are already several reviews which tell about the book and the story so I'll just mention one of the really stand-out qualities that sets this book apart from lesser efforts. The characters and their interactions are layered in ways that subtly hint at a very mature and developed sensibility on the part of the author. He doesn't beat you over the head with it but, I came to realize the depths of the characters about a third of the way through the book when I wondered what it was that kept drawing me in. This quality of recognizing relationships and histories in the characters and bringing them out without spelling them out was an amazing feat by the author.
Have you ever pondered if society's dream of eternal youth was achieved? Ever considered the consequences? The overpopulation? This is the setting of this amazing thriller.

Daniel Frisano builds an incredibly interesting and quite frightening world. Without getting overly philosophical or boringly deep, Daniel tosses his reader head first into a world out of control where people had mysteriously stopped aging for the past thousand of years.

This is very much a thriller complete with nail biting suspense and plot twists and turns.
I so enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. I highly recommend Impermanence for those seeking some high-intensity thrills!
This book gave me a new perspective of the world. I went to deep imagination along with the story. I was totally lost in this book while reading it. I never wanted to put it down. All the characters are amazing and have a great role. I got into the world of no deaths, no births only life forever. I love the plot, this was totally different and amazing from the various fictions I have read earlier.
Go for it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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