The Future

I really really enjoyed Naomi Alderman's previous novel, The Power, so I was super excited to read this. I unfortunately didn't like this nearly as much as I was anticipating. The futuristic setting was interesting but I did't really care about any of the characters or anything that was going on with them. It was cool that the author intertwined things that are happening present day, or within the last few years, as “history” and the reason why things were the way that they are in the future. The concept of this novel was super cool, the fact that the billionares are actively causing distruction and the advances in technology, but I just wish that there was deeper and more impactful conversations around these topics. It would have been nicer to see more converstaions about how “money is the root of all evil” more than what is commonly talked about now... CAPITALISM! Overall, my experience reading this was just ok and I'm disappointed that I didn't love it.






Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for providing me with an eBook copy to review.

I chose this novel because I saw it on multiple 2033 "Best of" lists. I wasn't disappointed. It is a rare novel which puts forth big ideas, a compelling setting and a plot which border on being a true "page turner." The novel is set in a world like ours in which 3 mega-tech companies dominate the on-line world. While the names of the companies and their quirky leaders are different than the brands and corporations of our world, it's easy (and fun) to guess who is who. The plot, about which I'll give little away here, is a vehicle for commentary on the damage these- and our tech megaliths are wreaking. The solution presented in the plot is a clever, if fantastical one. Still, it made me think about the state of our word, the damage being done and how to make repairs and even reparations for this. An engaging, thought-provoking read-with even a bit of some key Old Testament stories thrown in!

Surprised this has under 4 stars on Goodreads but this is some good shit!

The story follows some billionaires who own companies that have a lot of influence on the world (think Amazon on steroids) and how they're able to use their tech to predict and avoid an impending apocalypse. Obviously they're not likeable people so the story also follows some hackers that try and undermine their plans to get them to use their influence for good.