The Future

The more I thought about The Power, the less I liked it, but I saw enough buzz about this that I tried it, and I found it quite readable. Three billionaires—a barely hidden Elon Musk stand-in, a Steve Jobs-ish type, and a woman who might have a model in a Chinese billionaire but was less placeable—prepare to escape the apocalypse and control the future. Meanwhile, people in their inner circle—one grown child, one exiled founder, and one trusted assistant—are trying to figure out what they can do to reverse the damage these greedy, tyranny-supporting, environment-destroying monsters have done. And the trusted assistant’s new lover, a survivalist, is trying to learn more about what she’s gotten herself into, especially when show more the software she didn’t know she had on her phone helps her avoid an assassination. The narrative moves briskly; the repeated references to Job/Sodom and Gomorrah largely work well. I was left with the sense that it was somewhat less than the sum of its parts—the best I can say without spoiling is that it felt a lot like a really elaborate Twilight Zone episode. show less

Jesus, Miss Alderman, can't you just write 10 books with one topic each? There is so much going on, so much imagery and so many allusions on multiple layers reflecting off as well as leading towards each other, that listening once is not nearly enough.
I have one hour left, and I fear the reunion we're in for is not the one I am hoping for (Lank discovering his empire somewhat altered and facing Martha).
But the style of writing is entertaining to say the least, and often, small details or single subordinate clauses are enough to reveal a very powerful wisdom or future possibility. And the story, complex as it is, is so rivetingly told and so full of twists that I sometimes had to switch it off in the car or when running for fear of show more missing something (within the story or the road!). show less

terrific, cautionary, and practical futurist tale about the richest of us and what to do about their power. wishful thinking of course, and on the whole oddly cheerful, but satisfying all the same. the apocalypse is coming all too soon, and situational ethics may be the best answer. or possibly Genesis parables about the Fox and the Rabbit might prove clarifying. i found it skipped along pretty quickly, with clarity, good characters, and maybe even good intentions, so that even the dystopic world it lays out (errr... ours) wasn't depressing, more just a problem to solve, and there's an interesting overturny conclusion. a must read IMO.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book.

"The Future" by Naomi Alderman is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of the potential trajectory of human society in the face of advancing technology. Building on the success of her previous novel "The Power," Alderman once again demonstrates her keen insight into societal dynamics and her ability to weave a compelling narrative that delves into the intersection of power, gender, and technology.

Set in a world not too distant from our own, "The Future" takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through a series of interconnected stories that span different time periods and characters. Each story presents a unique perspective on how technological show more innovations have reshaped the fabric of society, challenging traditional power structures and blurring the lines between reality and virtuality.

Alderman's prose is both eloquent and accessible, drawing readers into the lives of her characters and the worlds they inhabit. The author's ability to create authentic voices for a diverse range of characters adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their fates.

One of the most remarkable aspects of "The Future" is its ability to tackle complex ethical and philosophical questions without resorting to didacticism. Alderman invites readers to consider the implications of our ever-increasing reliance on technology, including artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and biotechnology. She doesn't shy away from the potential dangers and moral dilemmas that arise as these technologies become more integrated into our lives.

Moreover, Alderman expertly navigates the shifting power dynamics between genders, mirroring her exploration of power imbalances in "The Power." She challenges conventional notions of masculinity and femininity, highlighting how technology can both liberate and constrain individuals based on their gender identity.

The structure of the novel, consisting of interwoven short stories that span different eras, adds an element of unpredictability and keeps the reader engaged. While some stories resonate more strongly than others, they collectively contribute to a comprehensive mosaic of possible futures, each offering a new perspective on the overarching themes.

While "The Future" is undeniably thought-provoking and beautifully written, it might not be for everyone. Those seeking a linear, traditional narrative might find the fragmented structure and occasional shifts in tone a bit disorienting. However, for readers who relish speculative fiction that challenges their preconceptions and invites them to reflect on the consequences of technological advancement, this novel is a must-read.

In conclusion, "The Future" by Naomi Alderman is a captivating and ambitious work that pushes the boundaries of speculative fiction. With its engaging storytelling, rich character development, and exploration of pressing ethical and societal issues, the novel cements Alderman's position as a visionary author unafraid to tackle the complexities of our rapidly changing world. Whether you're a fan of science fiction or simply enjoy literature that sparks contemplation, "The Future" is an excellent addition to your reading list. show less

DNF at 50%. This apocalyptic saga has all the ingredients for a riveting read. Conniving tech industry billionaires. Cults. Gritty survivalists. Timely themes that include an exploration of the perils of artificial intelligence and other technological advances from multiple perspectives. Yet it simply didn’t come together for me. I’ve written before that perhaps I’ve overdosed on dystopian tomes. This could be part of the problem. Having said that, I agree with other reviewers who have cited the book’s slow pacing, an excessively long list of characters — some of which are expendable — and an ambitious roster of pressing societal issues that could have been presented in a more cohesive and engaging narrative. Four stars for show more creativity. One star for overall execution. show less

I was torn in my reaction to this. I dug the writing for the most part, and the plot carried me along. But I think it got bogged down toward the end, and I felt like it drifted into didactic utopian fantasy territory and away from telling a good story. You know how you feel like you're suddenly reading a manifesto instead of a novel?

https://fromtheheartofeurope.eu/the-future-by-naomi-alderman/

I’m a fan of Alderman’s previous novels (The Power, Disobedience and a Doctor Who book, Borrowed Time), so was looking forward to this, a story of tech zillionnaires, apocalypse and survival. To be honest I was a little disappointed; I’m not especially interested in the cults of personality around Musk, Zuckerberg, etc, and a large part of the story evolves around equivalent characters and their entourages. There’s also an AI that is just smart enough to carry the plot forward, and a rather silly dénouement. But there are also some vivid character moments and strong descriptions of setting. So it’s entertaining, if not quite up to Alderman’s previous work.