'In the remarkably perceptive collection, Stephen Oram blends cutting-edge science, and tech with everyday emotions and values to create 20 thought experiments with heart.
Extracting Humanity is a skilful exploration of smart currencies, memorials, medical care, treatment of refugees, social networks, data monitoring, and justice systems. Always without prescription or reprimand, these stories is a simply the beginning of the conversation.
From an eerie haptic suit that Tommy must call Father, to a protective, nutritious bubble, that allows Fen Mian to survive on a colonised Moon; from tattoos that will learn their wearers a mini break in a sensory chamber, to Harrie anxiously, awaiting AI feedback on her unborn child… These startling, diverse narratives, map all-to0-real possibilities for our future, and the things that may ultimately divide or united us.'
Many of the issues that absorb us in today's world are taken to a possible future level - healthcare, nutrition, data collection and manipulation, algorithms, AI, the potential social and economic worth of people before they're even born! It certainly makes the reader think about the directions we might be heading towards and to consider the morality of future decades and centuries.
Some of the stories make for uncomfortable reading especially the title and concluding story, Extracting Humanity. I would go so far as to say that some stories are quite bleak and disturbing. It almost makes me glad I'm old and won't be around for too much longer! And I think what underlines the darkness is the plausibility in the science and technology that the author has employed to get his points across. That is not to say that the stories lack the very humanity of the title. You can extract it from every story (pun intended!) There is thankfully some humour too to balance the narratives. The short story is the perfect format for ideas such as these. Short, sharp, direct, they achieve the impact they're supposed to. And perhaps if we read them, respond to them and - act we might prevent some desolate futures.
The characters are relatable even if they are in somewhat surreal situations. The descriptive skill of this author makes it easier to imagine the unimaginable. Mr. Oram's creative power is remarkable and this collection of short stories offers a unique peek into a possible future.
Stephen Oram writes near-future science fiction. He has two published novels and is published in many anthologies, including the Best of British science fiction 2020 and 2022. He also works with scientist and technologists to explore possible futures through short stories, as co-edited three anthologies along these lines, and guest edited the Futures issue of the BSFA critical journal, Vector.
Stephen is based in the heart of central London and attributes much of the urban grittiness, and the optimism about humanity, and his writing to the noise, the bustle, and the diverse community of where he lives.
My thank to Isabelle Kenyon of Fly on the Wall Press for a gifted copy and a place upon the blog tour.
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