Written in epistolary form, the novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant and ambitious scientist who, driven by Enlightenment-era ideas of progress and science, creates a living being from dead body parts. However, upon seeing the creature come to life, Frankenstein is horrified and abandons it. The creature, shunned by society due to its appearance, seeks revenge against its creator, leading to a series of tragic events. The novel explores themes of guilt, loss, and the emotional and moral consequences of scientific hubris, blending elements of Gothic and Romantic literature.
In 'Four Lost Cities: A Secret History of the Urban Age,' Annalee Newitz takes readers on an adventure through the deep history of urban life, exploring the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük, the Roman town of Pompeii, the medieval megacity of Angkor, and the indigenous metropolis Cahokia. Newitz investigates the mix of environmental changes and political turmoil that led to the abandonment of these cities and highlights the contributions of often anonymous workers such as slaves, women, immigrants, and manual laborers. The book connects the histories of these cities to the challenges facing urban life in the twenty-first century, foreseeing a future where most people will live in cities and drawing lessons from the past to inform our future[1][2][4].
The Terraformers is a sweeping science fiction novel set on the planet Sask-E, a private planet terraformed by the corporation Verdance to replicate Pleistocene Earth. The story follows Destry, a member of the Environmental Rescue Team, as she uncovers a hidden city within a massive volcano, leading her to question the mission she has devoted her life to. The novel spans thousands of years, delving into the triumphs, strife, and hope that define human and non-human existence in a future where the concept of personhood has expanded to include intelligent robots and animals[1][3][4].
Ray Bradbury's 'A Sound of Thunder' is a short story exploring the concept of time travel and its consequences. The story follows a hunting expedition that travels to the prehistoric era, where a seemingly insignificant act of killing a butterfly has unforeseen and catastrophic effects on the present. The story highlights the interconnectedness of events and the butterfly effect, where small changes can have large-scale repercussions. It's a classic example of science fiction exploring themes of causality and the fragility of time. The story's impact on the reader is profound, leaving them to ponder the implications of altering the past.
Autonomous is set in a future where both humans and robots can be owned as property. The story follows Jack, a pharmaceutical pirate, and Paladin, a self-aware military robot, as they navigate issues of autonomy, identity, and the consequences of advanced technology. The novel critiques a capitalist system where everything can be commodified and explores the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
In 'Pretend We're Dead', Annalee Newitz examines how fictional monsters like zombies and serial killers symbolize the violent contradictions of capitalism, revealing how these creatures embody societal issues such as overwork and corporate conformity. The book analyzes representations in various media, including films like 'Night of the Living Dead' and 'RoboCop', and literary works by authors like Norman Mailer and William Gibson.
The Future of Another Timeline is a science fiction novel that follows two main characters: Tess, a time-traveling geologist from 2022, and Beth, a teenager in the 1990s. Tess is part of a secret organization called the Daughters of Harriet, which aims to protect women's rights by altering historical events. Meanwhile, Beth navigates a complex family situation and becomes involved in a series of violent confrontations. The novel explores themes of time travel, feminism, and the complexities of historical change.
Sci-fi novelist and science journalist Annalee Newitz talks with Recode's Kara Swisher about their new book, The Future of Another Timeline. Newitz, who was previously a founding editor of io9 and the editor in chief of Gizmodo, talks about their winding route to becoming a writer, by way of monster movies; how their first book Autonomous addresses AI, software patents, and the pharma industry; and how they worked out the mechanics and limitations of time travel and "editing" history for their latest book. Plus: How does technology affect our memory of history, and what will happen to all our digital communications once we're gone?
Featuring:
Annalee Newitz (@Annaleen), author, The Future of Another Timeline
Host:
Kara Swisher (@karaswisher), Recode co-founder and editor-at-large
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