The Future by Naomi Alderman

The Future

by Naomi Alderman

‘Gripping’ MARGARET ATWOOD

'A fabulous, witty writer on the digital world’ SUNDAY TIMES

'A little Atwood, a little Gibson, all Alderman, it’s brilliant and I loved it' LAUREN BEUKES

The latest novel from the Women’s Prize-winning, bestselling author of The Power, The Future is a white-knuckle tour de force and dazzling exploration of the world we have made and where we are going.

Lai Zhen is about to die. As an Internet-famous survivalist, she’s spent her life prepping for the end of the world. But now, desperate and cornered in a mall in Singapore, she’s mad she might go out not knowing what the hell is going on. If she makes it out alive, what kind of a future will be waiting for her?

Across the world, Martha Einkorn works the room at a gathering of mega-rich companies hell-bent securing a future just for them. Covert weapons, private weather, technological prophecy, when Martha fled her father’s compound she may have left the cult behind, but if the apocalyptic warnings of his fox and rabbit sermon are starting to come true, how much future is actually left?

Martha and Zhen’s worlds are about to collide. While a few billionaires assured of their own safety lead the world to destruction, Martha’s relentless drive and Zhen’s insatiable curiosity could lead to something beautiful … or the cataclysmic end of civilization.

‘A rollicking, fun-packed thriller’ ALASTAIR REYNOLDS

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on

4 of 5 stars

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Book Summary:

They say the future is what you make it...but is that really true? Some of us have less power to affect the future, while others seem to have all the power. Take Lai Zhen – she's a survivor through and through. She has lived through some of the worst, but there's only so much she can prepare for. Or is there?

What would happen to our future if a small group of friends came together to change it? Friends who happened to have the power to make significant and lasting change?

My Review:

Huh. The Future is one of those books that will make you stop and think. On the surface, it looks like a typical dystopian novel, with some thriller and action elements sprinkled throughout. But the closer you look, the more layers you'll spot.

The Future touches on many subjects and points, including (but not limited to) the damage/power of billionaires, cults, extremes of technology, survivalist scenarios, and so much more. How Alderman blended them together is wholly unique, and I'm honestly struggling to put words to it all.

This book would be perfect for a book club! I can see a group talking into the night about The Future, as there's much to discuss and debate. I'm sure some people would have very strong opinions about different parts – and I love that.

Highlights:
Dystopian
Speculative Fiction
Survivalists
Complex Storytelling

Trigger Warnings:
Attempted Suicide
End of the World Planning

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 31 December, 2023: Finished reading
  • 31 December, 2023: Reviewed