The Candy House Summary
Jennifer Egan

The Candy House Overview

In Jennifer Egan's speculative novel The Candy House, individuals can externalize and upload all of their memories online. Founder of the social media company, Bix, has believed that the technology will foster human connection and grant users access to the collective consciousness. With time, however, he begins to question the merit and sustainability of his work. A network of first and third person narrators have similarly dichotomous relationships with Bix's Mandala technology and company. Although characters like Alfred, Miles, Chris, Lincoln, and Molly all crave closeness and connection, they constantly wrestle with choosing individuality and isolation over exposure and illusive companionship. The novel explores themes including interconnectedness, loneliness, and the past.