Almost Human

This is science fiction for those who do not usually read it. A wonderfully fast moving human and humane story informed by ideas from science fiction (for example, Isaac Asimov's laws of robotics) and science fact (notably Masahiro Mori's 'uncanny valley' hypothesis which suggests that humanising the behaviour and appearance of robots and their like will be regarded positively by human beings up to a point but beyond this will be seen in increasingly negative terms). On this some recent studies suggest that women are, as does Stella, the book's central and most beguiling character, more likely to respond in such a way then do men. Against this background 'Almost Human' is an involving, sometimes humorous, tale of the differing and evolving relationships of love and dependence and distrust and withdrawal as between its human characters both with each other and with the human like robots with whom they interact. I much enjoyed reading it and will read it again - what better test can there be? Like the best books in the genre it made me think in a novel way about the present and the future that we are all likely to face. It has a wonderfully enigmatic ending that makes me hope for a sequel - and perhaps also a film from the book. I will certainly be recommending it.

Don't let a dislike of science fiction put you off reading this highly unusual novel. This is a story about love, human relationships and the effect that sophisticated Artificial Intelligence could have on all our lives. In fact, the future it envisages is nearly upon us. If it does become possible to create robots who are like us but more perfect in every way, where will that leave ordinary, imperfect humans? An experiment to introduce empathetic humanoid robots into domestic situations is taking place against the background of an environmental project in Africa. The outcome is catastrophic for one couple, but of the young singletons participating, only the woman, agronomist Stella Mayfield, feels uncomfortable at the intrusion of humanoid robots into her life. When Stella returns to the UK, sophisticated AI is everywhere and to her dismay, a robot is caring for her elderly mother. With moments of shock, wry comedy and evocative descriptions of both Kenya and North London, the novel also gives a unique insight into the differing attitudes of males and females to relationships and to the opposite sex and asks some important questions about where technology is leading us. The denouement raises serious questions about the future.

Though I'm not particularly interested in either discussing or reading about the use of robots and the idea of their 'taking over', these themes are so well explored in this book that I was fascinated. As the relationships between humans and humanoid robots are revealed there are several unexpected developments, which the writer cleverly leaves for the reader's own interpretation. The differences between the male and female expectations of and reaction to the robots is also fascinating, as is the fact that it is Stella, the most dubious and reluctant, who chooses to employ one in the second part of the novel. This, and the many other themes such as the 'power' of the robots or of their creators make it a very thought provoking novel. The descriptions of an African desert landscape, Edinburgh and London help to make it very readable, as do the touches of humour, particularly in the portrayal of the all powerful Hod, the bright young 'techie' from Essex with the wannabe Californian accent!

Normally not a fan of science fiction I found the prospect of the infiltration of robots made human (almost) and their often surprising effects on the people supposedly controlling them really fascinating. These creatures are believable and creepy, too useful to dismiss. The descriptions of the settings are particularly evocative. I enjoyed the irony and alternative explanations in the ending. A gripping read.

Don't let a dislike of science fiction put you off reading this beautifully written, captivating and highly unusual novel. This is actually a story about love, human relationships, and the effect that the sophisticated Artificial Intelligence could have on all our lives. In fact, the future that it envisages is nearly upon us and the question is posed, if it does become possible to create robots who are like us but more perfect in every way, where will that leave ordinary, imperfect humans? Against the background of an environmental project in Kenya where robots are being used to green the desert, an experiment to introduce newly developed empathic humanoid robots into domestic situations is also taking place. The experiment has a catastrophic outcome for one couple, but when extended to a trip of young singletons, only the woman, Stella Mayfield, feels uncomfortable at the intrusion at the humanoid robots into her life. Seven years on, Stella is back in the UK. Sophisticated AI and humanoid robots have permeated and she feels a deep unease at the fact that a robot is caring for her elderly mother. There are some wonderfully evocative descriptions of both Kenya and the more familiar territory of North London as well as moments of shock and wry comedy, but the novel also gives a unique insight into the differing attitudes of males and females to relationships and to the opposite sex. The dénouement is a surprise and perhaps a glimpse of the future.