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A review by laynemandros
Hum by Helen Phillips
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
“Hum” by Helen Philips: 4.75/5
“Hum” is a near-future sci-fi novel about the advancement of technology to such an extent that humans live in a constant surveillance state (more so than we already do 🥹) and AI robots called hums are part of mainstream society.
May, desperate for money to support her family, participates in a cutting edge procedure where she alters her face to become undetectable by facial recognition systems. After taking her money she books her family on a three night luxury vacation to the botanical gardens where her husband and children get to experience nature because natural parks are seemingly no longer accessible.
This is a short book but it packs a powerful punch. There are so many layers that makes it almost indescribable in such a short space. I love Helen Philips’ writing, it’s clipped and concise but there were so many moments that stopped me in my tracks. The language is straightforward but oftentimes layered in a way that knocks the wind out of you.
It’s a sharp commentary about government interference, climate change, capitalism, and our relationship and access to nature.
“Hum” is a near-future sci-fi novel about the advancement of technology to such an extent that humans live in a constant surveillance state (more so than we already do 🥹) and AI robots called hums are part of mainstream society.
May, desperate for money to support her family, participates in a cutting edge procedure where she alters her face to become undetectable by facial recognition systems. After taking her money she books her family on a three night luxury vacation to the botanical gardens where her husband and children get to experience nature because natural parks are seemingly no longer accessible.
This is a short book but it packs a powerful punch. There are so many layers that makes it almost indescribable in such a short space. I love Helen Philips’ writing, it’s clipped and concise but there were so many moments that stopped me in my tracks. The language is straightforward but oftentimes layered in a way that knocks the wind out of you.
It’s a sharp commentary about government interference, climate change, capitalism, and our relationship and access to nature.