Friends Come in Boxes

"Essef - The problem of immortality was solved in the 21st century: at forty, your brain was transferred to the head of a six month old child. Thus you gained another forty years of active life, until you could do it all over again. But then the birthrate fell, and a growing horde of brains waited in the Friendship Boxes for host bodies..." This chilling premise sets the stage for Michael G. Coney's "Friends Come in Boxes," a novel that delves deep into the ethical and existential quandaries of a society grappling with manufactured longevity. As the surplus of immortal brains overwhelms the dwindling supply of infant bodies, the titular "Friendship Boxes" become poignant symbols of a future where humanity's desire for endless life creates an unforeseen and unsettling problem. Coney masterfully explores the social stratification, the erosion of identity, and the desperate measures people take to secure their place in a world where existence itself is a commodity. Michael G. Coney’s "Friends Come in Boxes" rightfully earns its place among his best works for its prescient and unflinching examination of a humanity obsessed with outrunning death. Coney, a master of the "new wave" science fiction, consistently pushed the boundaries of speculative fiction, and this novel is a prime example of his talent. He doesn't shy away from the darker implications of his concepts, presenting a future that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The novel’s exploration of what it means to live, to have a life, and to face the ultimate scarcity of life itself, makes it a profoundly thought-provoking and unforgettable read, solidifying Coney's reputation as a writer capable of crafting truly memorable and impactful science fiction narratives.