In Our Likeness: A Disconnected Dive into AI
I picked up In Our Likeness by Graham Weston with eager anticipation. The allure of exploring artificial intelligence’s implications felt timely, especially given our world’s growing discourse around tech and creativity. But, as I delved into the pages, I found myself grappling with a deep disappointment. I wanted to uncover profound insights, but instead, I was left feeling utterly empty.
At its core, In Our Likeness attempts to tackle the complex relationship between humanity and AI. The premise centers around a powerful algorithm capable of altering reality based on changes to its database. However, the execution left much to be desired. The novel seemed more interested in conjuring chaotic plots than in justifying them. I found myself asking: what makes this AI algorithm so extraordinary? Why do its effects ripple through the real world? The answers felt shallow—“just because” is not a satisfying explanation for a concept that could have opened up such rich discussions.
As I navigated the story, I quickly became frustrated with the character of Warwick, who casually seemed to wield the algorithm’s power while the protagonist, Graham, floundered in confusion, often dictated by the plot rather than his own agency. I appreciate a twisty sci-fi tale, but when logic takes a backseat, it can lead to a disorienting experience. I understand a reader might need to suspend disbelief, but there came a point where it felt like the narrative was demanding too much from me without earning it.
Another missed opportunity lies in the potential for deeper exploration of AI’s societal implications. While the novel hints at its original purpose affecting information dissemination, any substantial critique never quite materializes, leaving me yearning for a narrative with more substance and soul. This missed exploration of critical themes left the story feeling superficial and somewhat hollow.
The pacing also posed challenges. While the initial chapters hinted at a disquieting undercurrent, it devolved into chaos by the three-quarters mark, complicating the reading experience to the point where I struggled to follow along. Moreover, the abrupt shift in narrative style—from first-person reminiscences to a more straightforward approach—felt jarring and unearned.
Graham’s character, meant to be our lens into this tech-infused world, often came across as passive and unsettling, particularly in his cringe-worthy interactions with Nessie. His frequent existential ramblings turned what could have been relatable introspection into tedious moments that detracted from the plot. Instead of evolving or taking assertive steps, he felt ensnared by his own juvenile crush, which colored my perception of him.
In a story set in 2018 discussing future technology, I couldn’t help but feel an odd disconnection; it was as if the author was reaching backward instead of forward. Perhaps I was hopeful for a more contemporary lens on age-old struggles, but instead, it left me pondering how much thought had truly gone into crafting this narrative.
Ultimately, I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve spent more time dissecting this book than the author did crafting it. If you enjoy science fiction that’s heavy on chaos and light on coherent exploration, In Our Likeness might resonate. However, for those seeking thoughtful discussions about technology’s impact on society, this might not be the journey you want to take. My advice? When a book leaves you feeling more exhausted than enriched, it’s okay to let it go.