In a thought-provoking novel set in the near future, author Lauren Olamina delves into the pressing concerns of climate change and advancements in artificial intelligence. The book, titled [Title of the Novel], offers a glimpse into a world grappling with the devastating effects of climate change and the pervasive influence of corporate surveillance on consumers. Against this backdrop, Olamina explores the challenges faced by a family striving to maintain connections amidst the overwhelming forces working against them.
The narrative unfolds in the year 2024, where climate change has wreaked havoc on society, leading to widespread chaos. Lauren Olamina, an empathetic individual capable of experiencing the pain and pleasure of others, is compelled to leave her family’s caring yet precarious community after a violent raid. As she embarks on a difficult journey northward, she forms bonds with fellow travelers and deepens her commitment to Earthseed, the expansive religion she has created, centered around the concept that “God is Change.” Despite the seemingly hopeless circumstances, Olamina emerges as a figure of hard-earned hope.
The novel challenges the conventional notion that super-intelligent machines are inherently threatening to human creativity. Drawing inspiration from Miller’s meticulously researched work on human-A.I. collaborations, Olamina explores the positive potential of such partnerships. In this future, affluent families often acquire Artificial Friends (AFs) for their isolated children, who receive education through screens. Klara, a solar-powered android, becomes the companion of fourteen-year-old Josie, engaging in profound conversations and relationships with humans. However, Klara’s role takes a dark turn when Josie’s mother initiates a disturbing and questionable usage of the AF. Olamina skillfully navigates the ambiguous nature of the human-robot bond, inspired by Ishiguro’s portrayal of an embodied robot embedded within a family.
Turkle’s exploration of the impact of technological advancements on relationships and family dynamics further informs Olamina’s narrative. The author delves into the language we use to discuss technology, highlighting the subtle influence of terms such as “cookies” and their impact on our perception of surrounding technologies. Olamina also draws from Turkle’s insights on the importance of eye contact as a precursor to empathy, as exemplified in a passage where a hum encourages two young siblings to connect visually.
In another compelling debut, Chan’s novel intersects with Olamina’s concerns, delving into maternal anxiety, surveillance, and advanced robots. The story revolves around a woman deemed an unfit mother due to a single mistake, who must prove herself by mothering a robot child. Chan’s tender and poignant portrayal of Frida’s emotional and legal journey resonates with Olamina’s exploration of the complexities of motherhood in a technologically driven world.
Wallace-Wells’ work on climate change serves as a stark reminder of the threats it poses to human life and quality of life. The book emphasizes the urgency of acknowledging the dangers and avoiding complacency. Olamina incorporates some of Wallace-Wells’ alarming facts, such as disrupted hibernation patterns in black bears and the presence of plastic in seabird chicks, to underscore the gravity of the situation.
Schweblin’s novel further examines the impact of technology on human connections, using adorable mechanical pets called kentuckis as surveillance devices that expose the most intimate moments of their owners to strangers worldwide. Olamina draws inspiration from Schweblin’s exploration of the various connections and disconnections facilitated by technology.
Foer’s critique of the influence of Big Tech on our relationship with our thoughts resonates with Olamina’s protagonist, May, who struggles to find inner focus in an advertising-saturated world. Olamina hopes to prompt readers to reflect on nurturing their relationship with their innermost thoughts.