Machine Writing (Book)

John Crowley wrote the science fiction novel Makine Yazı in 1979. Makine Yazı is set in a post-apocalyptic future in which only a very few humans remain after a great catastrophe.

Subject

The events of the novel take place in a settlement whose boundaries constantly shift and resemble a labyrinth. A thousand years have passed since the disaster known as “The Storm,” and the old world is remembered only through stories—narratives whose accuracy is uncertain. The protagonist, Konuşan Saz, seeks to uncover knowledge about this lost world and its secrets. Following the woman he loves, he ventures into unknown paths and embarks on a journey to explore both the external world and his own inner self.

Theme

The novel is structured around existential inquiries of humanity, the search for identity, time, nature, the past, and the future. Rather than focusing on technology or science fiction elements, it foregrounds concepts such as the human inner world, consciousness, dreams, melancholy, and love. It explores philosophical reflections on humanity’s quest for meaning and the continuity of life in a world after catastrophe.

Characters

The character names are unusual and typically derived from everyday actions or states of being. This reflects the dissolution and reconfiguration of identity and individuality in the post-apocalyptic world.

• Konuşan Saz: The protagonist and narrator. Melancholic and curious, he is deeply fascinated by the old world and its technologies. He sets out on a journey driven by a desire to become holy, discovering both the external world and his own self.
• Günde Bir Kez: A mysterious figure whose name suggests a naming convention; little personal information is provided about him.
• Kırmızı Boyalı: A character associated with the color red, either physically or symbolically.
• Yedi Eller: A name implying physical difference or a distinctive trait.
• Gözlerini Kırp: A name referencing behavior that evokes alertness or skepticism.
• Bir Köşede: Represents a character who remains socially marginal and observant.
• Sesli Gül: Symbolizes a more extroverted, cheerful, and social character.

Narrative and Structure

The novel features a layered narrative. The story is not told directly by the protagonist Konuşan Saz but is conveyed through the recollections of other characters, recorded as “crystals” via devices called “faset.” This structure imbues the work with a mysterious, multi-layered, and intense atmosphere. Author John Crowley uses this narrative method to invite readers to actively think and question the meaning of the text.