Autonomous

At the least science fiction presents us with a fun, interesting story to read. But it can do more. It allows us to examine ideas and consider implications in a “pure” form, by creating a world in which conditions are different enough from ours that we can think about an issue on its own, uncluttered by the demands of current reality. Analee Newitz's “Autonomous” is such a book.

Jack is a drug pirate who has dedicated her life to making medications available cheap to those who otherwise couldn't afford them—but she might be responsible for something truly terrible. Elias is the military agent who is hunting her down before she can do more harm—but he is working for devil. Newitz tells the story from each one's point of view, and it certainly can get complicated. It doesn't take long before your brain is reeling trying to figure out which good guy you should be rooting for.

But while most reviewers focus on the drug pirating and the exciting story, arguably the much more important layer is the relationship between Elias and his robot partner, Paladin. Elias likes Paladin. Really, really likes Paladin. But Paladin, a well-armed military killing machine, is a “he,” and Elias just can't get over that.

What difference does the perception of gender make in our relationships? In our erotic and romantic attractions? This is where the questions get tricky and where Newitz opens for us a futuristic world in which we can explore them. If you want to think about some big issues and have a heck of an exciting time doing it, I recommend to you “Autonomous.”