nir 's review for:

The Machine Stops by E.M. Forster
4.0

Somebody change the genre of this book from ‘science fiction’ to ‘modern criticism’. I don’t think I’ve ever read pre-WWI book that got so many things right about our modern lives. A bit surreal to read this book in the middle of a global pandemic and quarantine.

The premise is a dystopian future where everyone is confined to their quarters and life is heavily regulated and dependent on technology (the “Machine”). Everyone’s need can be satisfied simply by pressing a button. In this seemingly perfect world Forster asks what would happen if this whole system would stop.

There are so many relatable moments I was shocked this wasn’t written in the last decade. A great example of science fiction that has become reality.