Our Score:★★★★★★★✩✩✩
GENRE: Thriller, Science Fiction
Selected by Pamela - June 2020
SYNOPSIS:
The perfect life. The perfect love.
Abbie awakens in a daze with no memory of who she is or how she landed in this unsettling condition. The man by her side claims to be her husband. He's a titan of the tech world, the founder of one of Silicon Valley's most innovative start-ups. He tells Abbie that she is a gifted artist, an avid surfer, a loving mother to their young son, and the perfect wife. He says she had a terrible accident five years ago and that, through a huge technological breakthrough, she has been brought back from the abyss.
She is a miracle of science.
But as Abbie pieces together memories of her marriage, she begins questioning her husband's motives--and his version of events. Can she trust him when he says he wants them to be together forever? And what really happened to Abbie half a decade ago?
Beware the man who calls you . . .
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)
THE DISCUSSION:
When we were first handed this book I think we were all expecting a domestic drama, a comfortable read; we were not anticipating a sci-fi twist on a thriller. For some, the concept that Abbie was indeed a cobot, a companion robot, was a shock and one that needed time to adjust to. This provoked so many questions in our minds that it slowed down the reading progress. However, as soon as we got into the flow of the novel and got our heads around the concept of Abbie we became engrossed in this page-turner. It was well written, pacey and an unique read.
We all loved the way autism was explored and methods of teaching challenged in this novel. It definitely led to some interesting discussions. On the whole, some parts of the story we found confusing and were glad of our book club meeting so that we could iron out our misconceptions or clear up individual queries.
We always welcome a challenge when reading and this novel did provide us with pockets of perplexity surrounding the story line or concepts behind the characters.
Overall, we really enjoyed the uniqueness of the book and would definitely read another of JP Delaney's novels.
REVIEW:
Gemma's Thoughts:
When I first realised Abbie was a robot I was not sure how I would cope with the novel. I love thrillers and domestic dramas but wasn't quite ready for a sci-fi read. However, after the initial shock I quickly got into the book and found I really enjoyed the story line and concept. It reminded me of my childhood watching an American 80s sitcom Small Wonder. I don't know if anyone else will remember the series but it was about a family of robotic engineers who created a girl robot. Throughout the show the family try to pass off Vicki as their adopted daughter.
I did find some concepts confusing, such as the ending. I had to re-read it to make sure I had understood the scene on the beach and look for the clues that were presented. The other thing I didn't quite like was when Abbie, the cobot referred to herself as You and the office workers as We. It took me a while to relax into that style of writing. However, I did enjoy the novel and looked forward to picking it up at every opportunity I got.
THE SCORES:
Donna: 8
Gemma: 7
Kim: 7
Nic:
Pamela: 8
Sandra: 7
Average 7
Let us know what you thought about this book. We would love to read your reviews and hear what you would score it.
Happy reading!