Novel about โDisneyficationโ of nature wins climate fiction prize
Hum, Helen Phillipsโ third novel, featuring a woman whose job is taken by a humanoid robot, is a terrifying look into a future where AI rules and nature is scarce A novel featuring a protagonist whose job is taken by AI has won the Climate fiction prize. Hum by Helen Phillips, the American writerโs third novel, is about a woman, May, who loses her job to a โhumโ of the title โ a humanoid robot. Struggling to find work, she becomes a guinea pig for an experimental injection that alters her face so it canโt be recognised by surveillance. When she gets paid for it, she splashes out on family passes to the Botanical Garden, the last remaining green space in her city. There, things take a turn for the worse. Hum by Helen Phillips (Atlantic Books, ยฃ16.99). To support the Guardian, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply. Helen Phillips will appear at Hay festival to discuss the book on Saturday 30 May Continue reading...