A science fiction novel set out in the near future, about 75 odd years ahead- 2095 to be precise. Machinehood is a thoroughly enthralling and an intelligently crafted book, and the future fictional world created by the author, SB Divya is most fascinating. The good part of the book is that the author has not really attempted to dazzle us with jaw-dropping technological innovations of the future, but kept the future progress made pretty simple and straightforward. Most of the tech mentioned in the book is simply a kind of extrapolation of what one sees around the world today, and she alludes in the book to certain historical progressions made in the field of technology, the ethical issues, the resistance and the protests, and how the World finally got to be what it is in 2095.
AI Robots and Androids have advanced so much in the future that humans are literally left with no work and have to compete with machines to survive. And humans can only survive and maintain their competitive edge if they take these pills – Nanobots that go to work inside the body. The pills are either ‘flow’ pills to help function with efficiency in a given job, ‘Zip’ pills to enhance our strength and fitness or something called ‘Juvers’ for healing and reducing pain. The very interesting aspect of these pills is that you need to constantly keep taking them to upgrade yourself, much like the need to upgrade or buy a new Smartphone every few months these days. However in this future world, one can download the design and follow the instructions for making the pills and even create them using 3D printers at home.
Social Media is taken to the next level, wherein each and every action of yours is captured in the Cyber world. Eating, sleeping, intimate moments with your lover… everything is captured live by these swarm of nanodrones that are ubiquitous. Privacy has become an alien concept. And there are these ‘Tip Jars’ by which people vote for how you have fared in your day or rate how your last love making session was. Your entire life is literally live streamed.
The theme of the book revolves around a rebellion by an extremist group who believe that the rights of machines have been trampled over with and advocate all Intelligence, be it artificial or biological, should be treated at par.
One flaw in this book however, would be in the character portrayal may be. The main heroes are monochromatic and everyone seems to be out to save the world- no hint of grey in them. Even the Extremist group turn out not to be such bad guys, as they also have an altruistic motive for all the violence unleashed onto the world. And of course, a dash of humor in the conversations and narration etc would have made the book more entertaining.
Nevertheless a thoroughly great read for sure.
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