My Reviews

Almost human

This story begins with a fascinating and terrifying mystery regarding a married couple’s trial period with two androids. Something goes massively wrong. At first, each android performs flawlessly and the couple seems extremely pleased. However, the wife ends up being committed to a mental hospital and the husband ends up taking his own life. Huh? Why?!? And then when the android company comes to retrieve their property, they discover more mysteries. It has been padlocked away in an unused ‘fridge with its face smashed in but in otherwise perfect condition. Wow!! What’s the story here?!?

Some time afterwards, … See more

A good book tackling very topical issues, i.e. that of greening the desert and the potential threat of unmanaged AI.
Great topics for both sci fi fans but a good tale for those who would not normally read sci fi. Very believable relationship highs and lows between the main characters keep things moving along nicely. A great ending with a thoughtful twist for those familiar with the "three laws".

An interesting read and a real page turner. I wouldn't usually read novels about robots but this came highly recommended and I really enjoyed the escapism it provided. I've since bought it for a few friends.

Don't let a dislike of science fiction put you off reading this highly unusual novel. This is a story about love, human relationships and the effect that sophisticated Artificial Intelligence could have on all our lives. In fact, the future it envisages is nearly upon us. If it does become possible to create robots who are like us but more perfect in every way, where will that leave ordinary, imperfect humans? An experiment to introduce empathetic humanoid robots into domestic situations is taking place against the background of an environmental project in Africa. The outcome is catastrophic for one couple, … See more

I found this book so compelling and thought provoking that this month my book club will be reading this new author’s book.
It has a soothing story line which becomes unsettling as the empathetic robots are introduced into human relationships. This led to my contemplating uneasy new questions and scenarios.
This unease contrasted with the geographical descriptions which I so enjoyed: Kenya, walking the streets of North London, then I felt I was with the author on that ferry to the Isle of Wight and then on the glorious train ride through Northumberland to Edinburgh.
I loved it.