Would we connect more with narratives featuring robots with faces and bodies?
Carlos Castile/Alamy
Ode to the Half-Broken
Suzanne Palmer, Daw Books
Bright
Sylvia Park, Magpie
For over a century, writers have explored the complex relationships between humans and robots, delving into themes of empathy and existential threats.
In our reality, the dangers posed by robots manifest through misinformation and the militarization of AI, particularly in warfare. Conversely, literature often highlights individual robots, inviting readers to relate to beings that possess physical forms and emotions.
Imaginary robots elicit various responses: they can be humorous, cool, or even menacing. They often question our humanity and provoke thoughts about ownership akin to that of pets or livestock. Notably, “Murderbot,” created by Martha Wells, encapsulates these diverse aspects of robotics.
This month, I delved into two contrasting novels centered around robots. Both were insightful and eloquently expressed the inner worlds of their characters, yet differed vastly in tone and themes.
In Ode to the Half-Broken, Suzanne Palmer introduces us to an aged robot that emerges from isolation after suffering a loss that signifies much more than just a missing leg. This unlikely trio—a half-dog, half-robot companion and a human mechanic—embarks on a quest that reveals threats to a world seemingly on the path to recovery from post-apocalyptic remnants.
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In Bright, the robots are all abused, and while you empathize with them, some are inherently dangerous.
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As the gang searches for the lost leg, they uncover larger threats. In Palmer’s vision of the future, robots find autonomy and are respected, creating a narrative that blends adventure and optimism, making it suitable for younger readers.
Conversely, Sylvia Park’s Bright delves into a darker reality, where robots are exploited as substitutes for deceased children and as domestic laborers. Set two decades after the Korean unification, this poignant tale explores the moral complexity of robot-human relationships amidst societal decay.
Jun, a key human protagonist, grapples with robot crimes, especially theft. Her sister Morgan, a robotics expert, struggles to nurture her creations while dealing with profound loss.
Park’s characters are vividly portrayed, eliciting both sympathy and scrutiny. Stephen, a notable character, sparks curiosity, suggesting potential for future stories in this dystopian landscape.
I also recommend:
TV Series:
Battlestar Galactica
(2003-2009) Ronald D. Moore, Prime Video
This reimagining features Cylons that blend seamlessly into human society. Witness the thrilling mysteries and drama unfold as the story reveals human-Cylon identities progressively.
Emily H. Wilson: Author of the Sumerian series (Inanna, Gilgamesh, and Ninchevar, all published by Titan), currently crafting her debut sci-fi novel. A former editor at New Scientist, follow her on Instagram @emilyhwilson1.
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Source: www.newscientist.com
