Scan barcode
A review by mary_soon_lee
Machinehood by S.B. Divya
3.0
"Machinehood" is one of this year's Nebula nominees, science fiction set in 2095 that imagines a future where most people are reliant on pills and few have stable jobs. The narrative switches between Welga, an ex-marine now working as a bodyguard, and her sister-in-law Nithya, who works for one of the pill companies. I loved the inventiveness of the book, which extrapolates many changes -- social, economic, technological. Humans struggle to find employment amid a multitude of AIs; privacy is a rarity amid a multitude of drones; people pop a multitude of pills to make themselves stronger and smarter. Even the furniture reconfigures itself.
I liked both Welga and Nithya, and I very much liked that the novel shows their many connections -- to partners, family, colleagues -- across multiple cultures and countries. The plot has plenty of drama and quite a bit of violence. Yet it is also rather dialogue-heavy, with lengthy debates, both internal and between characters. Neo-Buddhism has a prominent role. The high stakes of the main plot didn't always engage me emotionally, but the smaller character-centered dramas held my attention. One thread in particular concerning had me on tenterhooks.
3.5 out of 5 dakini stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
I liked both Welga and Nithya, and I very much liked that the novel shows their many connections -- to partners, family, colleagues -- across multiple cultures and countries. The plot has plenty of drama and quite a bit of violence. Yet it is also rather dialogue-heavy, with lengthy debates, both internal and between characters. Neo-Buddhism has a prominent role. The high stakes of the main plot didn't always engage me emotionally, but the smaller character-centered dramas held my attention. One thread in particular concerning
Spoiler
an unplanned pregancy3.5 out of 5 dakini stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).