Split Infinity

Sometimes I'll think back to books I've read. And sometimes I regret it.

This is one of those times.

About 4 years ago I borrowed a friend's copy of Split Infinity, because I saw it on her bookshelf and instantly nostalgiabombed- I, too, went through a huge Piers Anthony phase in high school.

And I was reminded why I stopped reading his books, and never finished this particular series... let alone this book. Because there were TWO INSTANCES of rape within the first two chapters.

Not only were my nostalgia goggles ripped off, but they were melted down into a Lego so they could be more useful. Preferably to be placed where Piers can step on it.

So this poor short guy takes this mysterious, perky-breasted woman home with him but of course he noticed Something Not Quite Right. It wasn't until they were this close to having sex when it dawns on him- she's a robot. He immediately demands a printout- basically all that she is, programming-wise for him to see. In the book she compares this to rape. And it is.

Then there's a few pages arguing about how she's only property, not real, whathaveyou. And of course they do sleep together.

Fast-forward a bit and she's hunted down by security because of a potential bomb hidden away in her somewhere. Guess what's Rape Case #2?

They deactivate her, pop her head off and pull her apart. They were so nice to put her back together and return her to the male protagonist because he was so nice to plead her case, though, instead of just outright "junking" her. "I spoke of rape last night, but did not know the meaning of the term!"

And the fact that Sheen is a machine (oooh, punny man, aren't we Anthony?) does not soften the blow. In retrospect, it makes it worse- objectification much?

I only got as far as page 36. I was told by several people to put the book down and walk away, and I wisely did so.

Eurgh.