In near-future Tokyo, Filipina nurse Angelica is struggling to make ends meet (and pay off the loan shark from whom she and her brother both borrowed) while caring for Sayoko, a cantankerous Japanese woman who is approaching her 100th birthday. Just ten days before the birthday celebration, however, Sayoko's son sends her a prototype caretaker robot, with whom Sayoko quickly bonds and to whom she begins telling decades-old secrets. Angelica is highly suspicious of this robot, who she fears is an attempt to replace her, but can't help admitting is helpful as a Sayoko-sitter while Angelica tries to sort out her own issues.
With its setting in 2029 and a focus on some very real issues from the past, present, and future — including the exploitation of "comfort women" during World War II, immigration, climate change, artificial intelligence, Japan's aging population, and our increasing reliance on technology — this book is an odd mix of science fiction and historical fiction. But it presents a lot to ruminate on, and I can't wait to discuss it with the Orcs & Aliens next week.
No comments:
Post a Comment