One of Elle's Best Fantasy and Science-Fiction Books of 2025 "A superb work of fiction." --New York Times Book Review What if you could enter the mind of the person you love the most? Enka meets Mathilde in art school and is instantly drawn to her. Mathilde makes art that feels truly original, and Enka--trying hard to prove herself in this fiercely competitive world--pours everything into their friendship. But when Mathilde's fame and success cause her to begin drifting away, Enka becomes desperate to keep her close. Enter SCAFFOLD. Purported to enhance empathy, this cutting-edge technology could allow Enka to inhabit Mathilde's mind and access her memories, artistic inspirations, and deep-seated trauma. Undergoing this procedure would link Enka and Mathilde forever. But at what cost? Blisteringly smart, thought-provoking, and shocking, Immaculate Conception offers us a portrait of close friendship--achingly tender and twisted--that captures the tenuous line between love and possession that will haunt you long after you turn the final page. Ling Ling Huang is a writer and violinist. She plays with several ensembles, including the Oregon Symphony, Grand Teton Music Festival Orchestra, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, and the Experiential Orchestra, with whom she won a Grammy Award in 2021. Her debut novel, Natural Beauty, was a Good Morning America Buzz Pick, a New York Times Editors' Choice, and winner of the Lambda Literary Award for Bisexual Fiction.
