Ern A. Smithe

Ern A. Smithe is the reclone of a mystery writer in Gene Wolfe's A Borrowed Man series, living in a library and seeking to understand the mystery of his own existence.

Ern A. Smithe is a fascinating character who exists on the margins of society. As a reclone, he has the memories of a man who has been dead for over a century, yet he is treated as a piece of library equipment. His voice, modeled after the hardboiled detectives of his original’s novels, is both nostalgic and deeply observant.

Throughout the series, Ern must use his deductive skills to solve mysteries while also grappling with the limitations and the tragedy of his own artificial life.

Reading Order

See the complete A Borrowed Man reading order for all books in the series.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Ern A. Smithe?

Ern is a ‘reclone’—a biological copy of a deceased mystery writer, embedded with the original’s memories.

What is Ern's role in the library?

He is a resource that patrons can ‘check out’ to consult about his original’s work or other related topics.

How does Ern feel about being a reclone?

Ern possesses a weary and cynical perspective, common to the noir genre, as he navigates a world that views him as property rather than a person.

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