You may be talking about "
Was," by
Geoff Ryman.
I'm going to move your thread to a Forum called
Reading Recommendations, where you will find a bigger audience for possible commentary on this book.
I would also like to welcome you to MobileRead. Please feel free to browse through the sections. We also have thousands of free ebooks available. Please see my sig.
I just sent you a PM, as well.
Don