Such a classic for a reason. The growth of the relationships between characters feel so authentic and realistic. I genuinely feel the characters fell in love, which is a really difficult task for a romance to authentically convey. 

With seamless additions of futuristic technology, intriguing plot twists, and a range of emotional depth, Williams is able to showcase the best of speculative fiction. Though a number of the plot points are purposely and spectacularly beyond this world

(technology to clone, Advanced Virtual Reality)

, at the core this story is the emotional and personal growth of Lou. As Lou adapts and comes to understand her world, she struggles and addresses emotions ever present in the world we live in today. She is a mother bonding with a newborn. She is a woman living at odds with male driven violence. She is angry, fearful, confused, numb, etc. And ultimately, she is finding her way.