Crosstalk (novel)
Crosstalk is a science fiction novel by Connie Willis, published in 2016. It is a romantic comedy that explores the intersection of telephones and telepathy. In a similar situation to "Bellwether" and "Passage", the main character, Briddey Flannigan, is part of a larger institution who gets caught up in series of escalating events. Additionally, "Crosstalk" like "Bellwether" and "Passage" feature themes of neuroscience, communication and technology. Plot. Briddey Flannigan, part of the middle management of a tech-company is engaged to one of the senior executives. The company is experimenting with communication technology that transmits neural activity as  spoken words. The technology is still being tested and theoretically relies on emotional bonds between two people to work effectively. Briddey agrees to become part of the experiment but it goes dramatically wrong, upending her life. Reception. Amal El-Mohtar at NPR Books argued that the book was "not a great showcase" for Connie Willis's oeuvre. However, Eric Brown of "The Guardian" was more laudatory, writing that "Willis tells a fast-paced tale with well-observed dialogue and some gentle humour."