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A review by sandreline
Hum by Helen Phillips
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
To function in the modern world, we have to disassociate from the realities of invasive technology. From the way it monitors and extracts resources from us. Our money, our time, our attention, our very thoughts.
Hum masterfully puts a mirror up to that disassociation, in a way that is both uncomfortable and cathartic.
Often in "tech is bad" stories, the blame is placed on the lack of self-discipline of the people using the tech. Hum takes the higher (and more nuanced) road, by showing us a woman beaten down and just trying to provide a comfortable life for her family.
The backdrop is not over-explained, but you experience it largely through the children. Little tidbits, constantly dropped, about how casually they experience the trajedy of the world. Because it is their normal.
Written with a slight ethereal tone, this atmospheric story was easy to devour. It's one that will linger with me.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
Hum masterfully puts a mirror up to that disassociation, in a way that is both uncomfortable and cathartic.
Often in "tech is bad" stories, the blame is placed on the lack of self-discipline of the people using the tech. Hum takes the higher (and more nuanced) road, by showing us a woman beaten down and just trying to provide a comfortable life for her family.
The backdrop is not over-explained, but you experience it largely through the children. Little tidbits, constantly dropped, about how casually they experience the trajedy of the world. Because it is their normal.
Written with a slight ethereal tone, this atmospheric story was easy to devour. It's one that will linger with me.
ARC provided by NetGalley.