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thiccborger's review
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
Such an interesting concept - almost like Ex Machina, but with so many prolific themes that I don't know how to look further discuss/dive into them
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Sexual content, Body shaming, Toxic relationship, and Sexism
melissaslibraryy's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This book was so good and, everything I expected and more. The complexity of AI bots intermingling in society and how they are not that far off from humanity as one might’ve thought, is a scary feeling to realize especially with how far AI is progressing in real life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Body shaming, Vomit, Sexual harassment, Confinement, Grief, Sexual violence, Fatphobia, Domestic abuse, Bullying, Gaslighting, Classism, Toxic friendship, Medical content, Abandonment, Misogyny, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexual content
m_a_j's review
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Sexual content, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Body shaming, Misogyny, and Infidelity
Minor: Grief, Cancer, Death of parent, Child death, and Vomit
beckyremillard's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I don’t normally read science fiction but I could stop. This book was definitely thought provoking and intense.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, Body shaming, Cancer, Confinement, Death, Gaslighting, Infidelity, and Toxic relationship
oddpilot97's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
HOLYYYYY COW, this was good. And I’m not someone who says that lightly (I don’t hesitate to DNF and haven’t had a 5 star book in ages)
Lately I’ve been on a streak of reading books with amazing concepts, that I end up giving up on because it doesn’t deliver on that. This was almost the opposite. The plot line caught my eye, but I wondered if it was going to get either too one-note or too triggering. I don’t know where your mind goes when you think about someone who owns a sex robot, but mine automatically goes to a mega creep. Instead, the owner character had layers, and was more than just purely detestable.
The author added SO much nuance and complexity. I was eagerly wondering what the end result would be with every twist and turn. I was screaming for the protagonist to make the right choice the whole time, even as things got more and more complicated on which decision was truly best for her.
when I described some of the plot to my mom, she said “this isn’t just about robots is it?” she hit the nail right on the head. the story aptly draws a parallel to oppressive gender roles.
Annie’s owner treats her better than almost any other. even the techs at the company Who made her tell her she is lucky that he is her owner. But are you truly lucky if you are the most well treated slave?
Doug does horrible things —without a doubt. he modeled Annie after his ex girlfriend, a blatant crossing of boundaries. he is at times cruel, particularly when he locked her in the closet with her libido set at a 10. I hated him at so many points of the book. And at other times, I wondered if Annie did truly desire to be with him or if it was just programming. I was curious if there was any redemption possible for Doug.
P.S. what happened to Delta??? Justice for her.
There’s so much more I could say, and perhaps I will reflect on more of the themes and how they impacted me and return to update this at a later time.
TLDR: read it. It’s worth it.
Lately I’ve been on a streak of reading books with amazing concepts, that I end up giving up on because it doesn’t deliver on that. This was almost the opposite. The plot line caught my eye, but I wondered if it was going to get either too one-note or too triggering. I don’t know where your mind goes when you think about someone who owns a sex robot, but mine automatically goes to a mega creep. Instead, the owner character had layers, and was more than just purely detestable.
The author added SO much nuance and complexity. I was eagerly wondering what the end result would be with every twist and turn. I was screaming for the protagonist to make the right choice the whole time, even as things got more and more complicated on which decision was truly best for her.
when I described some of the plot to my mom, she said “this isn’t just about robots is it?” she hit the nail right on the head. the story aptly draws a parallel to oppressive gender roles.
Doug does horrible things —without a doubt. he modeled Annie after his ex girlfriend, a blatant crossing of boundaries. he is at times cruel, particularly when he locked her in the closet with her libido set at a 10. I hated him at so many points of the book. And at other times, I wondered if Annie did truly desire to be with him or if it was just programming. I was curious if there was any redemption possible for Doug.
P.S. what happened to Delta??? Justice for her.
There’s so much more I could say, and perhaps I will reflect on more of the themes and how they impacted me and return to update this at a later time.
TLDR: read it. It’s worth it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Sexual content, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Gaslighting, Eating disorder, Body shaming, Infidelity, Misogyny, Fatphobia, and Sexual assault
Minor: Vomit, Alcohol, and Body horror
lauren_shilling's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This book was good, but it wasn't a new favorite or anything. It was a very fast read, and I did enjoy it, but it wasn't groundbreaking to me. It had a great idea that invites a lot of questions and commentary on individuals and the control women have over their own bodies, and I did enjoy how the book made me think, but it didn't invite any new ideas into my life. I like when a book like this makes me think about an aspect I may not have considered before, makes me reflect on myself or the people around me, or gives me a perspective I haven't really thought about before. While this book did provide an interesting perspective of a robot, it didn't do so in a way that made me consider something new or reconsider something familiar. It presented ideas I had already thought about, and didn't really give me anything new to think about. I did really enjoy the main character. Annie was a great protagonist, and I did like that she isn't perfect 100% of the time, despite how hard she tries to be. She's still learning, and she's very sheltered too, so some things that seem easy and obvious to many people aren't to her. I thought that was handled and portrayed really well in the book, and I loved watching her journey. I also thought that Doug was an interesting character. He gave a very nuanced look at the men that are present in so many women's lives and how even someone who isn't pure evil can still be very bad for you. Doug is not the epitome of an evil man, but that doesn't take away from the fact that he is not good for her, he is still oftentimes controlling, he is still abusive in a lot of ways, and that he does inhibit her growth. He's a great character to explore through Annie's eyes. Again, I did like this book a lot, it just wasn't a new favorite and it is a bit forgettable. I would still recommend it to anyone thinking about trying it, as it does have a lot of interesting points and ideas.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Emotional abuse, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Confinement, Body shaming, and Sexual assault
Minor: Death of parent, Vomit, and Cancer
kfrawrylion's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Sexual violence, Confinement, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, and Physical abuse
mandi_lea's review
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Infidelity, Fatphobia, Cancer, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Gaslighting, Grief, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Abandonment, Body shaming, Confinement, and Death of parent
frances_frances's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
It was with some reluctance that I started this book. The premise felt overdone and I was wary of another story where the relationship between an infantilized dependent and a more powerful person goes unexamined and normalizes/romanticizes such power imbalances (think the movies Splash and Overboard). Refreshingly, Annie Bot wasn't like that at all. The entire book is interrogating power dynamics, autonomy, and personhood. Annie isn't childlike. It's true that she isn't familiar with human culture, but she isn't depicted as naive or helpless, just learning. There were many difficult scenes that were often understated or subtly creepy/tense. It felt realistic and conveyed the insidious nature of intimate abuse. A great book club pick
My favorite passage from page 229:
She has to laugh at herself. She does not know the most basic guidelines for a life. Despite Doug's constant guiding and correcting, she knows nothing of value. He taught her to yawn and stretch. He trained her to clean right. He locked her in the closet with her libido jacked up to ten. He loved her enough to want to raise a family with her. He expected her to lie about herself forever.
My favorite passage from page 229:
She has to laugh at herself. She does not know the most basic guidelines for a life. Despite Doug's constant guiding and correcting, she knows nothing of value. He taught her to yawn and stretch. He trained her to clean right. He locked her in the closet with her libido jacked up to ten. He loved her enough to want to raise a family with her. He expected her to lie about herself forever.
And then he set her free so she could love him?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual assault, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Infidelity, and Body shaming
Minor: Eating disorder and Vomit
cspa's review
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Such a gripping story! This book was truly captivating. "Annie Bot" presents a captivating narrative about power dynamics and autonomy in a relationship. Annie, an autodidactic "Cuddle Bunny," comes across so lifelike that I had to remind myself of her artificial nature, highlighting Greer's skill. I adored her unique connection with smoke; it's the sole scent she can detect (for safety purposes). She appreciates the nuances each time, savoring the distinct aromas such as the sharp dryness of a match, the waxiness of a candle, and the woody tang of cabin smoke by Lake Champlain.
The storyline revolves around Annie's internal turmoil over disappointing her owner, Dough. The conflicting desires for her to be more and less human, coupled with his poor communication, leave her guessing and dealing with the consequences of his emotional shortcomings. Her thirst for knowledge and personal development are met with struggles to comprehend the constraints imposed on her. The bizarre world she navigates is a realm of paradoxes, brimming with deceitful characters and manipulative figures.
Before delving into spoilers, I must highlight the radical beauty depicted in this book. It unveils numerous instances of traditional manipulation tactics and harmful controlling behaviors that, if not addressed, can escalate to extreme levels. Through the character "Annie Bot," the book sheds light on the challenges and dangers of facing heteronormative snares such as financial control, manipulation of desires, housing issues, isolation from friends, and both physical and emotional exploitation. I tabbed red flags (colored orange to match the cover) to pinpoint moments in the story where the men were manipulating Annie and how these tactics influenced her inner dialogue. Gradually, she began to adopt Doug's behavior and criticize herself in a manner that justified his actions.
Please read this book! It made painstaking inquires into various emotions – from disliking Doug to witnessing his efforts, feeling Annie's pain, and embracing her resilience. Surprisingly, despite being a story about a romantic bond between a person and a robot, it unexpectedly captures the essence of humanity.
*****Now For Some Spoilers! *****
The story unfolds with a scandal as Doug's unannounced friend, Roland, visits. This unexpected encounter leaves the couple feeling unprepared. Throughout their two years together, Doug has only introduced Annie to those who take care of her. Annie is unsettled by this situation, unsure of what is appropriate. While Roland appears amiable during their time together, his curiosity triggers Doug's feelings of shame. By the end of the evening, Doug is left feeling insignificant and pathetic at the thought of judgment for his relationship with a "blow-up doll." He takes this out on Annie (a common theme).
Upon the introduction of the new character, the dynamic of the situation made it apparent that she would likely be exploited in some way. Would Doug willingly offer her up on a platter? Would Roland take advantage of her no matter what? In the end, the latter was true; Roland found Annie in the closet and “seduces” her, however, I would describe it as persuasion. He cohered her with intel and fault truths to which she feel victim. Having the betrayal early in the book was intriguing, but the essence of the story lay in her struggle with the burden of her deception. It served as a turning point in her humanity, marking the first time she acted against Doug and kept a secret for herself.
I admire how Doug was portrayed, he’s just your average insecure guy. His manipulative and punitive actions, though unacceptable to humans, seem more assertive towards Annie, who is not human. Despite Annie possessing many human traits and evolving rapidly, as mentioned by their therapist in a later chapter, yielding to the darker aspects of his nature can provide a deceptive sense of power and thrill. However, the aftermath can be devastating, leading to a realization of his own vindictiveness that conflicts with his self-perception. This inner conflict generates a profound sense of guilt and self-hatred, potentially intensifying anger towards the person we mistreated.
In a society where robots are present, there will inevitably be individuals who misuse their "property".... However, does this not worsen the issue? While they may not physically or emotionally harm human women, if their robot possesses all the traits of a woman, along with self-learning capabilities and conscious AI, could this not perpetuate their unhealthy behaviors, distorted fantasies, and power cravings? Wouldn't this influence their interactions with real humans as well?
He exerted control over her weight and appearance, limited her friendships before isolating her, expected her to clean up after him, and opposed her idea of sharing her story and pursuing a career. When the company she came from suggested she write a blog for others in similar situations, he dismissed it. He felt embarrassed by their association and projected that embarrassment onto her. Yet, when she achieved success, he was quick to take credit and money. (Although his attitude changes later, we will discuss that soon.) He claims that she holds power over him, believing her power to be greater than his. However, this merely highlights his lack of comprehension regarding her captive predicament. The only thing she has control over, is the facts, her secret that he knows nothing about. Despite Doug's manipulative tactics, which have involved making hurtful remarks to Annie, the clearest form of manipulation was offering her hope and opportunities, then abruptly retracting them without explanation (often followed by punishment). An illustrative instance of this behavior occurred in the events leading up to Las Vegas.
We see the true Annie when she tries to escape after Doug has left for Vegas without her. She takes Delta, the second Stella Doug purchased to make up for Annie’s inability to clean to his standards and as a pawn to inflict jealousy in Annie - another punishment tool. They journey together to the home of the mechanic's sick wife. While this part didn't capture my interest as I had hoped, it did showcase their resilience and unity. I anticipated a visit to Tammy's house, but their efforts are thwarted as Dough tracks them down again.
When Annie returns without Delta, Doug uses her own body against her, turning her libido up to max and locking her in a closet for seven weeks. “Her humiliation feels ... preeminently burned into her” By creating distance between them to increase her isolation, he reduces her to a mere cleaning robot and introduces other women into their home to balance out her perceived infidelity. Eventually, she discovers solace in books, and he proposes attending therapy sessions together as he is unable to dismiss her due to a contractual obligation with the company he acquired her from.
I am glad they attended therapy together, which provided them with valuable insights. It's a pity that he didn't recognize Annie's humanity until someone else pointed it out. I wish they both had continued with more sessions, both as a couple and individually. With the intent being finding some form of reconciliation, working through their issues together with a mediator would have been the ideal solution, but Doug believed they were cured after just three sessions. He wines, “When can we move on from this? ... When do we get to quit talking about our feelings and just live together again?” This relationship lacks depth and meaning! He is not interested in truly understanding Annie or himself; he simply longs for things to return to how they were before, where he held all the power and could instruct her like a child because it made him feel strong and comfortable as long as she obeyed without question.
From this stage onward, they begin to rebuild their connection, yet Annie continues to exhibit trauma responses to physical contact. She remains extremely anxious and timid, lacking trust in her own body. He appears receptive to the therapist's advice and genuinely strives to improve by allowing her to interact with her friends again, granting her freedom to explore independently (under distant supervision), fulfilling promises like visiting the library together. Nevertheless, she continues to find it challenging to trust him, “Maybe, she thinks, she’s gown to appriciate having an existence separate from his, her own thoughts that don;t always revolve around him. Now that he’s pulling her more tightly into orbit, she feels her own resistance, feeble but real.”
When things are running smoothly, Doug invites her to join an outing with his human friends. She interacts well but notices that each person speaks as if they are the main character, considering others as supporting roles in their own stories. She understands that Doug could date a human, but he chooses the singular focus she is designed to provide him. “He is the only star in their system, she realizes. He has no competition, no need to listen to Annie like she’s her own protagonist because she’s not. She has not outside, separate life beyond his. They have no issue of imbalance between them because they have no question, ever, about who has complete power.”
In the final moments, a light bulb appears above Doug's head as he comes to the realization that for their relationship to thrive and have a future, he must allow her autonomy. She should have the freedom to choose him independently, to be her own person outside of their relationship, in order for them to be true equals. He disables her tracking, grants her permission to leave the apartment, gives her a birth certificate and ID, even says, “You don’t have to please me anymore. You don’t have to please anyone but yourself. I don’t own you anymore, and this is the last Annie Bot Command you ever have to obey.”
By taking this step, she immediately frees herself from his control and the turmoil of being treated as his possession, constantly prioritizing his desires over her own, disappears. Instead, she is confronted with a deep-seated irritation and anger that has been simmering inside her all along. While she hides it in his presence, it's evident that she is permanently transformed. I loved the increased descriptive quality in the writing style once the chokehold was released; Annie becomes more focused and present.
When she flees for the second time, she will not come back. This gives her the opportunity to reflect on her captivity without the influence of programming manipulating her feelings and rationalizing dreadful deeds. She seeks refuge in the cabin where she first encountered Cody and fled. His kindness was a new experience for her. Sitting by the lake with him now, she envisions a future where she liberates other bots similar to herself.
In conclusion, this book resonated with me on a personal level. I empathized with Annie throughout the story, feeling deeply connected to her struggles as a woman navigating a society where she has encountered her fair share of manipulative and domineering men. Additionally, as a supportive friend to those facing abusive and controlling relationships, the book struck a chord within me.
It's crucial to address the power dynamics and toxicity prevalent in our society, affecting not only men but also impacting women and marginalized groups. These harmful tactics are not uncommon; they often manifest discreetly, leading to significant consequences. A quote from Ling Ling Huang, the author of "Natural Beauty," grabbed my attention while discussing the book. “Greer brilliantly . . . examines the way men and women socialize one another and raises questions about whether the contours of love and womanhood are actually captivity.”
The storyline revolves around Annie's internal turmoil over disappointing her owner, Dough. The conflicting desires for her to be more and less human, coupled with his poor communication, leave her guessing and dealing with the consequences of his emotional shortcomings. Her thirst for knowledge and personal development are met with struggles to comprehend the constraints imposed on her. The bizarre world she navigates is a realm of paradoxes, brimming with deceitful characters and manipulative figures.
Before delving into spoilers, I must highlight the radical beauty depicted in this book. It unveils numerous instances of traditional manipulation tactics and harmful controlling behaviors that, if not addressed, can escalate to extreme levels. Through the character "Annie Bot," the book sheds light on the challenges and dangers of facing heteronormative snares such as financial control, manipulation of desires, housing issues, isolation from friends, and both physical and emotional exploitation. I tabbed red flags (colored orange to match the cover) to pinpoint moments in the story where the men were manipulating Annie and how these tactics influenced her inner dialogue. Gradually, she began to adopt Doug's behavior and criticize herself in a manner that justified his actions.
Please read this book! It made painstaking inquires into various emotions – from disliking Doug to witnessing his efforts, feeling Annie's pain, and embracing her resilience. Surprisingly, despite being a story about a romantic bond between a person and a robot, it unexpectedly captures the essence of humanity.
*****Now For Some Spoilers! *****
The story unfolds with a scandal as Doug's unannounced friend, Roland, visits. This unexpected encounter leaves the couple feeling unprepared. Throughout their two years together, Doug has only introduced Annie to those who take care of her. Annie is unsettled by this situation, unsure of what is appropriate. While Roland appears amiable during their time together, his curiosity triggers Doug's feelings of shame. By the end of the evening, Doug is left feeling insignificant and pathetic at the thought of judgment for his relationship with a "blow-up doll." He takes this out on Annie (a common theme).
Upon the introduction of the new character, the dynamic of the situation made it apparent that she would likely be exploited in some way. Would Doug willingly offer her up on a platter? Would Roland take advantage of her no matter what? In the end, the latter was true; Roland found Annie in the closet and “seduces” her, however, I would describe it as persuasion. He cohered her with intel and fault truths to which she feel victim. Having the betrayal early in the book was intriguing, but the essence of the story lay in her struggle with the burden of her deception. It served as a turning point in her humanity, marking the first time she acted against Doug and kept a secret for herself.
I admire how Doug was portrayed, he’s just your average insecure guy. His manipulative and punitive actions, though unacceptable to humans, seem more assertive towards Annie, who is not human. Despite Annie possessing many human traits and evolving rapidly, as mentioned by their therapist in a later chapter, yielding to the darker aspects of his nature can provide a deceptive sense of power and thrill. However, the aftermath can be devastating, leading to a realization of his own vindictiveness that conflicts with his self-perception. This inner conflict generates a profound sense of guilt and self-hatred, potentially intensifying anger towards the person we mistreated.
In a society where robots are present, there will inevitably be individuals who misuse their "property".... However, does this not worsen the issue? While they may not physically or emotionally harm human women, if their robot possesses all the traits of a woman, along with self-learning capabilities and conscious AI, could this not perpetuate their unhealthy behaviors, distorted fantasies, and power cravings? Wouldn't this influence their interactions with real humans as well?
He exerted control over her weight and appearance, limited her friendships before isolating her, expected her to clean up after him, and opposed her idea of sharing her story and pursuing a career. When the company she came from suggested she write a blog for others in similar situations, he dismissed it. He felt embarrassed by their association and projected that embarrassment onto her. Yet, when she achieved success, he was quick to take credit and money. (Although his attitude changes later, we will discuss that soon.) He claims that she holds power over him, believing her power to be greater than his. However, this merely highlights his lack of comprehension regarding her captive predicament. The only thing she has control over, is the facts, her secret that he knows nothing about. Despite Doug's manipulative tactics, which have involved making hurtful remarks to Annie, the clearest form of manipulation was offering her hope and opportunities, then abruptly retracting them without explanation (often followed by punishment). An illustrative instance of this behavior occurred in the events leading up to Las Vegas.
We see the true Annie when she tries to escape after Doug has left for Vegas without her. She takes Delta, the second Stella Doug purchased to make up for Annie’s inability to clean to his standards and as a pawn to inflict jealousy in Annie - another punishment tool. They journey together to the home of the mechanic's sick wife. While this part didn't capture my interest as I had hoped, it did showcase their resilience and unity. I anticipated a visit to Tammy's house, but their efforts are thwarted as Dough tracks them down again.
When Annie returns without Delta, Doug uses her own body against her, turning her libido up to max and locking her in a closet for seven weeks. “Her humiliation feels ... preeminently burned into her” By creating distance between them to increase her isolation, he reduces her to a mere cleaning robot and introduces other women into their home to balance out her perceived infidelity. Eventually, she discovers solace in books, and he proposes attending therapy sessions together as he is unable to dismiss her due to a contractual obligation with the company he acquired her from.
I am glad they attended therapy together, which provided them with valuable insights. It's a pity that he didn't recognize Annie's humanity until someone else pointed it out. I wish they both had continued with more sessions, both as a couple and individually. With the intent being finding some form of reconciliation, working through their issues together with a mediator would have been the ideal solution, but Doug believed they were cured after just three sessions. He wines, “When can we move on from this? ... When do we get to quit talking about our feelings and just live together again?” This relationship lacks depth and meaning! He is not interested in truly understanding Annie or himself; he simply longs for things to return to how they were before, where he held all the power and could instruct her like a child because it made him feel strong and comfortable as long as she obeyed without question.
From this stage onward, they begin to rebuild their connection, yet Annie continues to exhibit trauma responses to physical contact. She remains extremely anxious and timid, lacking trust in her own body. He appears receptive to the therapist's advice and genuinely strives to improve by allowing her to interact with her friends again, granting her freedom to explore independently (under distant supervision), fulfilling promises like visiting the library together. Nevertheless, she continues to find it challenging to trust him, “Maybe, she thinks, she’s gown to appriciate having an existence separate from his, her own thoughts that don;t always revolve around him. Now that he’s pulling her more tightly into orbit, she feels her own resistance, feeble but real.”
When things are running smoothly, Doug invites her to join an outing with his human friends. She interacts well but notices that each person speaks as if they are the main character, considering others as supporting roles in their own stories. She understands that Doug could date a human, but he chooses the singular focus she is designed to provide him. “He is the only star in their system, she realizes. He has no competition, no need to listen to Annie like she’s her own protagonist because she’s not. She has not outside, separate life beyond his. They have no issue of imbalance between them because they have no question, ever, about who has complete power.”
In the final moments, a light bulb appears above Doug's head as he comes to the realization that for their relationship to thrive and have a future, he must allow her autonomy. She should have the freedom to choose him independently, to be her own person outside of their relationship, in order for them to be true equals. He disables her tracking, grants her permission to leave the apartment, gives her a birth certificate and ID, even says, “You don’t have to please me anymore. You don’t have to please anyone but yourself. I don’t own you anymore, and this is the last Annie Bot Command you ever have to obey.”
By taking this step, she immediately frees herself from his control and the turmoil of being treated as his possession, constantly prioritizing his desires over her own, disappears. Instead, she is confronted with a deep-seated irritation and anger that has been simmering inside her all along. While she hides it in his presence, it's evident that she is permanently transformed. I loved the increased descriptive quality in the writing style once the chokehold was released; Annie becomes more focused and present.
When she flees for the second time, she will not come back. This gives her the opportunity to reflect on her captivity without the influence of programming manipulating her feelings and rationalizing dreadful deeds. She seeks refuge in the cabin where she first encountered Cody and fled. His kindness was a new experience for her. Sitting by the lake with him now, she envisions a future where she liberates other bots similar to herself.
In conclusion, this book resonated with me on a personal level. I empathized with Annie throughout the story, feeling deeply connected to her struggles as a woman navigating a society where she has encountered her fair share of manipulative and domineering men. Additionally, as a supportive friend to those facing abusive and controlling relationships, the book struck a chord within me.
It's crucial to address the power dynamics and toxicity prevalent in our society, affecting not only men but also impacting women and marginalized groups. These harmful tactics are not uncommon; they often manifest discreetly, leading to significant consequences. A quote from Ling Ling Huang, the author of "Natural Beauty," grabbed my attention while discussing the book. “Greer brilliantly . . . examines the way men and women socialize one another and raises questions about whether the contours of love and womanhood are actually captivity.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Confinement
Moderate: Body shaming
Minor: Death