Not sure how a book can be at once a reflection of our dystopian reality and a glimpse into a more hopeful future but here we are. Lots of themes at play, religious overtones, survivalists, extremists, and a long monologue about machine learning and what it really is. Lots of moving pieces: you'll figure about halfway in specifically where this is going and all the threads connecting and unraveling and connecting again is interesting. It did go on a bit too long in parts (particularly the message boards) but there wouldn't have been any other way to easily put in the end of days and prescient beliefs of a now dead cult leader. It's depressing bc so much of what is written is happening, in real time, even as I post this and is part of the larger problem.

Just outsmart the algorithm.

I tried so hard to like The Future! I loved Naomi Alderman's Power, so I was excited to get this ARC. However, I couldn't follow the story. I actually tried to read this book more than once. Both times, the first few chapters got me, but I lost the thread about a third of the way in. It's fascinating to me how much other readers enjoyed the chat/reddit-like forums because those parts were the hardest for me to integrate. I think it's possible some of the challenges I had in reading The Future will be resolved in the final version (for example, with these chat forums, the text is all broken and confusing and I'm betting that will be visually clearer/cleaner when published), but I couldn't resolve them for me on this ARC. I had high hopes, but this landed flat for me. I'd be willing to try another Alderman novel, given there were elements of this I enjoyed and I liked Power so much. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am wanted to love this book more, but it honestly felt too drawn out with characters that I could not fully connect to and just fell flat to me. I loved the concept of this book with technology, AI, climate change, disparities between social groups, and the influence it may hold with “the end times” and extremist views. Good ending, just too long.

This tale of social media, global warming, greed and good intentions is an excellent follow up to Naomi Alderman’s previous book, The Power, which dealt with societal power dynamic changes. The Future shows a world not far from our own, being moved closer to apocalypse by tech giants whose only concern is money. As with The Power, Alderman weaves her separate characters together with her signature wit and humor. Martha and Lai Zhen form the emotional core of the story, as their backstories feed into not only how to save the world but why. My only caveat: after the characters flee the end of the world, which should be exciting, it comes across a bit dull. Don’t let that deter you; One small dip in a very enjoyable read!
#SimonBooks

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for access to the eARC of "The Future".

I liked it.

I was ready to worship this book, being a fan of the author. But unfortunately much of the book was a bit of a slog. A lot of backstory, which I admit was necessary--mostly--for plot reasons. But not always, or so it seemed. I enjoyed the twists and turns, and appreciate that the structure of the novel leans literary and is just inherently slower paced. And while the concept is great, and for all I know unique, the execution didn't work for me. This is strange for me to say, because generally speaking I enjoy medium-to-slow pacing. But with this book it took a lot of sense of duty in both having been graciously allowed ARC access and being a fan of Alderman to keep reading.

The concept, and all that happened in the story, what we find out nearing the end, is spectacular and for all I know truly unique. By Part 3 I was hoping this would happen in reality.

The writing style is also to my liking.

Because the concept and writing were truly great, I'm torn as how to rate this novel, because I did not enjoy the execution. Maybe this just means I wish some slower, deep backstories had been cut. Maybe there were too many characters. I can't pinpoint the actual issue, so perhaps it's a complicated reasoning even I can't fish out.

One thing that bugged me a little was the highly speculative aspects regarding the island. This part of the story felt like the Hunger Games and MaddAddam blended together to form this concept. This isn't a wholly BAD thing (I love THG) nor is it surprising given Alderman's connections to Atwood. It just bugged me a little, I guess, my disbelief floating in the stratosphere rather than just being suspended.

Given much of the time I was just bored, I can't give this 5 stars. But it was good enough for 3.75. Sorry, Naomi. Don't worry, I'll still buy your books.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book.

"The Future" by Naomi Alderman is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of the potential trajectory of human society in the face of advancing technology. Building on the success of her previous novel "The Power," Alderman once again demonstrates her keen insight into societal dynamics and her ability to weave a compelling narrative that delves into the intersection of power, gender, and technology.

Set in a world not too distant from our own, "The Future" takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through a series of interconnected stories that span different time periods and characters. Each story presents a unique perspective on how technological innovations have reshaped the fabric of society, challenging traditional power structures and blurring the lines between reality and virtuality.

Alderman's prose is both eloquent and accessible, drawing readers into the lives of her characters and the worlds they inhabit. The author's ability to create authentic voices for a diverse range of characters adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their fates.

One of the most remarkable aspects of "The Future" is its ability to tackle complex ethical and philosophical questions without resorting to didacticism. Alderman invites readers to consider the implications of our ever-increasing reliance on technology, including artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and biotechnology. She doesn't shy away from the potential dangers and moral dilemmas that arise as these technologies become more integrated into our lives.

Moreover, Alderman expertly navigates the shifting power dynamics between genders, mirroring her exploration of power imbalances in "The Power." She challenges conventional notions of masculinity and femininity, highlighting how technology can both liberate and constrain individuals based on their gender identity.

The structure of the novel, consisting of interwoven short stories that span different eras, adds an element of unpredictability and keeps the reader engaged. While some stories resonate more strongly than others, they collectively contribute to a comprehensive mosaic of possible futures, each offering a new perspective on the overarching themes.

While "The Future" is undeniably thought-provoking and beautifully written, it might not be for everyone. Those seeking a linear, traditional narrative might find the fragmented structure and occasional shifts in tone a bit disorienting. However, for readers who relish speculative fiction that challenges their preconceptions and invites them to reflect on the consequences of technological advancement, this novel is a must-read.

In conclusion, "The Future" by Naomi Alderman is a captivating and ambitious work that pushes the boundaries of speculative fiction. With its engaging storytelling, rich character development, and exploration of pressing ethical and societal issues, the novel cements Alderman's position as a visionary author unafraid to tackle the complexities of our rapidly changing world. Whether you're a fan of science fiction or simply enjoy literature that sparks contemplation, "The Future" is an excellent addition to your reading list.

Rollicking good fun -- Alderman pulls off a real "stick around to the last second" kind of adventure here, including a post-credits scene (of sorts). The axis of action in the story is different from where I originally thought it was heading, in that more happens off-page than I expected / the focus is different, but she creates a plausible view of insane tech meglomaniacs, the people around them, and the glimmer of hope available to us. Five tough years doesn't sound so bad, really.

Naomi Alderman came to my attention with The Power, a wonderful slice of dystopia fiction. She returns to the same milieu with this new novel, though it is entirely independent of The Power.

In the not too distant future, the world is about to end and the richest people on the planet are preparing for it. Imagine if the heads of Google, Facebook et al. had secret bunkers to ride out the coming storm. This is the likely story of what would happen if they did.

This is a much more expansive novel than The Power, more epic in scope. Therefore the personal qualities which made The Power so strong are slightly neutered here. This is not to say that The Future is a bad book - it's actually a very good one, and very plausible despite its sci-fi trappings - it just lacks the gut punch of that other work. Those who come to this based upon the strength of The Power will not be disappointed, and will likely bring her new readers who haven't but who pick this up out of interest.

An enjoyable novel then, and one I devoured in one sitting.

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for the ARC.

The novel revolves around the world coming close to disaster. The very powerful and wealthy are much more consumed with creating bunkers than taking steps to stave off disaster. Several characters emerge to root for including a Chinese refugee and an ex-cult member - both extremely intelligent and resourceful.

Peppered with board discussions of the end -of-days and prepper talk, the novel takes us through what could happen and honestly, very well might. In typical style, Alderman has created a perfectly paced thriller that has enough twists to entertain even those of us not interested in prepping, dystopia and tech danger. Best yet, women are still at the center of the tale, this isn't a dry spy/international doomsday story.

Riveting! I couldn't put it down. Weeks later, I'm still reflecting. Propulsive, thought-provoking, and multi-layered, I found it utterly immersive. I'm not typically a book club person, but this is one of those books I'm just bursting to reread and discuss.

For what it's worth, I liked The Power; I loved this.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for my advance copy.

Naomi Alderman has potential to write a great and impactful novel, but unfortunately, her stories tend to be too long and bloated. There are always too many characters, and the pay-off isn't always rewarding. I had the same problem with her previous novel, "The Power". I wish she would just focus on one single character. There's too many point-of-views, and little substance. I think a lot of readers will enjoy this, but for me, it was lackluster and a frustrating read.

A little out of my comfort zone, but it sounded so so interesting! I was so excited but unfortunately i could not get into it. I’m usually a fan of time-jumps but I was so confused….The biblical references just really put me off (this is a personal preference, if you don’t mind it then you should enjoy this book). The writing style was not my personal favorite. I was trying to be patient, waiting for the twist or for it to pick up and unfortunately, I had to DNF. This is a first for me. I’m so upset because I go back to read the synopsis of the book and I want to pick it up again… maybe one day.

I'm still collecting my thoughts on this one. I am a huge fan of The Power, and convinced my book club to read it back in the day. The Future is multilayered and much more ambitious. It takes place in a very plausible, billionaire-controlled world not that unlike the one we are living in now--call it the present, on steroids. I believe the new term for this genre is cli-fi--a sort of apocalyptic sci fi connected to humankind's destruction of the planet. Add in a technological thriller, religious cult, and survivalist story bent, and that's The Future. The characters talk in modern vernacular, lots of relatable, contemporary jargon, making it feel very much a story of now, and what could easily become now.

Alderman throws us tidbits of the plot, moving back and forth in time--mainly spending time on two characters, although some others also feature. It took me awhile to get into a rhythm with this, but it did work for me. It was a bit of a slow and confusing start as we get to know the players and their backstories and the world they live in, but once the story gets going it all falls into place and you're turning those pages fast. I appreciated a major plot twist and liked the ending. There's an element of hopefulness and idealism--admittedly perhaps wishful thinking--that overcomes the theme of the ridiculousness, greed and destructive tend boxes of humanity.

It's clear how very smart and visionary this author is, and it's now official: I'm a big fan of Naomi Alderman.

I LOVED IT! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars. What to say about this book, it’s a bit philosophical, a bit theological, a bit technological, and a bit sociological.

What can you do when it looks like the world is headed for an apocalypse? The signs of societal collapse are all around us; the planet is dying, governments are stuck in cycles of political destabilization and grid lock, and people worldwide are engaged unsustainable consumption. If you are a tech executive of a multinational corporation that is more powerful than most governments, you build a set of doomsday bunkers and an early warning system. You make a plan to get out and wait out the end of the world in comfort, and rebuild. This morning the early warning system went off.

This is a hell of a read, I couldn’t put it down and finished it in 2 days. I’m looking up Naomi Alderman’s other books to read right now. This book was great, and very worth the read.

Please note, I received an ARC copy of this book for review from NetGalley, but that never influences my honest reviews of books or authors.

great book wow. recommend having nothing else to do but read for a day or 2. the character development was great as as well as the plot.

Thank you, NetGalley for the advanced copy. The concept of The Future sounded really intriguing that's why I requested the arc, but I was not into it. It didn't grab my attention!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. While the premise was interesting I didn’t connect with the characters or the story in a meaningful manner. Some books just aren’t for us, and that’s alright.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster publishing for providing an eARC for me to review.

2/5 stars

Summary:
This is the second book I’ve read from the author after first reading “The Power”, which I felt the concept was very interesting. But lost me with the ending and some of the characters I really didn’t like. And this book is no different with those opinions.

However, unlike the first book I felt lost throughout this book. I felt that the structuring of the story needed some more editing to make the point more clear. There were also many unnecessary things that kept throwing me off, such as the cursing or the weird mentioning of anything sexually related.

In conclusion, the book kept my interest but I felt confused throughout and it could have been better executed.

Plot: 2/5 stars
- Very messy in structure
- Decent pacing with tense moments
- Only saving grace was the twist at the end

Setting/Worldbuilding: 2/5 stars
- Interesting ideas about the future, but felt there were too many ideas that over complicated.
- Lots of LGBTQ representation, but sometimes felt a little forced at times.

Characters/Development: 3/5 stars
- Enjoyed Martha and Zhen characters, but couldn’t care less for others.
- Felt the relationship between Marsha Zhen was actually well done.

This book tackled a LOT of issues and explored some high concept ideas in a very compelling way. I couldnt put it down, yet it took me a little longer to read than usual because it really made me pause and think through some of the ideas she presented. It is a frightening story in that it is so incredibly plausible, all of it from what billionaires are definitely up to behind the scenes to where the planet is inevitably headed and the misery that will bring. Definitely not an uplifting book but a realistic look at what society has become and what that means for - you guessed it - the future. If I had any complaints they would be a lack of character development, which wasnt even necessary to move this story along as in my opinion it was more about concepts than characters, and the pacing, which felt a bit disjointed at times. But overall a brilliant book by an author who’s mind must be operating on a high frequency than most to put to paper some of these ideas. Also didn’t think I’d love the biblical references, but they were tied into the modern day story in a way that really made me think about things in a new way which is cool. I highly reccomend this book if you like speculative fiction!

There’s been a lot of talk lately about billionaires and the terrible toll they’re having on society. This book explores that, taking the characters to extremes of doomsday preparedness, but standing it on its ear in the end.

My rating is more like a 4.5, especially Lại Zhen and the Reddit style Doomsday Prepper forum posts. The “rule of salt” will stick with me for a long while.