*When Gravity Fails* by George Alec Effinger is a cyberpunk novel published in 1986, set in a futuristic, crime-ridden Middle Eastern city where technology allows people to modify their personalities and skills using cybernetic implants called *moddies* and *daddies*. ### **Synopsis:** The story follows Marîd Audran, a small-time hustler and private investigator who prides himself on his independence—he has never used the brain-altering implants that many others rely on. However, his world is turned upside down when a brutal serial killer starts targeting people in his orbit. The murderer is using illegal *moddies* that allow them to take on the personalities of infamous killers. To survive and solve the case, Marîd is forced to abandon his principles and accept cybernetic modifications under the influence of powerful crime boss Friedlander Bey. As he navigates the violent, neon-lit streets of the Budayeen—an exotic and dangerous neighborhood filled with gangsters, hackers, and artificial enhancements—he must unravel a deadly conspiracy while confronting his own fears about losing his identity. The novel blends cyberpunk aesthetics with noir storytelling and Middle Eastern cultural elements, offering a unique and immersive take on futuristic crime fiction. Would you like a deeper analysis or discussion of its themes?
