Machines Like Me
Ian McEwan
Penguin Random House, 2019
Ian McEwan’s latest novel explores the age-old question of what it means to be human and what moral dilemmas arise when the delineation between machine and human is increasingly hazy. Whilst a familiar trope of science-fiction, Machines Like Me is set in an alternative version of 1980s London, where the protagonist, Charlie Friend, buys one of a limited number of advanced androids, referred to as “Adams and Eves”.
Machines Like Me reimagines an alternate timeline for the visionary British mathematician Alan Turing, who features as a significant character in the novel. Rather than accepting chemical castration in 1952 and ending his life in 1954 at the age of 41, Turing goes to prison where he spends time further pursuing the mathematical fields that lead to breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, allowing for the creation of the life-like androids. Additionally, Turing’s open homosexuality accelerates the gay rights movement and enables a coordinated response to the AIDS crisis – at the time of the novel, he is celebrated for his extensive achievements and living happily with his long-term partner.
Of course, Turing, greatly admired by the protagonist, understands the implications of creating life in a much more profound way than the central figure, who fails to fully grasp what he is getting himself into when he takes delivery of his robot. This lack of awareness is evident in many aspects of his personality and behaviour, however, whilst pursuing a relationship with his neighbour upstairs, Charlie blossoms, transforming himself from insecure suitor to devoted husband, partially due to his love for his robot child, Adam. Full of wry alternate history and humorous touches, Machines Like Me is a very enjoyable novel which capitalises on our increasingly dependent and absorbing relationship with technology and what that means for our humanity.
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