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A review by teachinsci
An Unnatural Life by Erin K. Wagner
4.0
When I finished this novella, I closed my ipad, turned to my wife, and said, "that was really good."
Why exactly though? That question took me a couple of days of reflection...
First off, this novella reminds me strongly of To Kill A Mockingbird. There are a lot of differences, sure, the being on trial is an AI (kinda), the POV character is the lawyer (think Atticus Finch) with a lot more personal life, the location is Europa rather than the US South. But, the feel of struggle against an unjust legal system for a minority group is all there. Actually, one reason that I can't bring myself to give it 5 stars is because of what it reminded me of (I never cared for TKAM).
This isn't just a thin sci-fi overlay on TKAM though. There is a depth of backstory and emotion, a sense of place in the setting, little asides in the chapter interludes that really make this story flow and to me elevate it. It is such a worthwhile story to read.
I would highly recommend it to those who love exploitation of new cultural norms and anyone who is curious what happens when a law procedural meets science fiction.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read a pre-release copy of this book.
Why exactly though? That question took me a couple of days of reflection...
First off, this novella reminds me strongly of To Kill A Mockingbird. There are a lot of differences, sure, the being on trial is an AI (kinda), the POV character is the lawyer (think Atticus Finch) with a lot more personal life, the location is Europa rather than the US South. But, the feel of struggle against an unjust legal system for a minority group is all there. Actually, one reason that I can't bring myself to give it 5 stars is because of what it reminded me of (I never cared for TKAM).
This isn't just a thin sci-fi overlay on TKAM though. There is a depth of backstory and emotion, a sense of place in the setting, little asides in the chapter interludes that really make this story flow and to me elevate it. It is such a worthwhile story to read.
I would highly recommend it to those who love exploitation of new cultural norms and anyone who is curious what happens when a law procedural meets science fiction.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read a pre-release copy of this book.