SocProf reviewed Tell the machine goodnight by Katie Williams
Review of 'Tell the machine goodnight' on 'Goodreads'
2 stars
What a disappointment considering the great premise. The machine in the title refers to a tiny device (which reminded me of the Theranos gizmo), the Apricity, that offers recommendations towards happiness based on a cheek swab it processes. The very first chapter shows one of the uses of the devices: employers subjecting their employees to it (to improve productivity), except that one of the recommendations a man gets is to amputate a chunk of his finger (HR already agreed to pay for it!). There was so much that could have been done with such a premise. Some of it is mentioned or hinted at but never really explored. When the recommendations could involve doing harm, they are removed. Could the recommendations be used in a court of law? Can people be coerced to undergo the procedure?
Sadly, very quickly, the narrative shifts from those potentialities to the much less interesting …
What a disappointment considering the great premise. The machine in the title refers to a tiny device (which reminded me of the Theranos gizmo), the Apricity, that offers recommendations towards happiness based on a cheek swab it processes. The very first chapter shows one of the uses of the devices: employers subjecting their employees to it (to improve productivity), except that one of the recommendations a man gets is to amputate a chunk of his finger (HR already agreed to pay for it!). There was so much that could have been done with such a premise. Some of it is mentioned or hinted at but never really explored. When the recommendations could involve doing harm, they are removed. Could the recommendations be used in a court of law? Can people be coerced to undergo the procedure?
Sadly, very quickly, the narrative shifts from those potentialities to the much less interesting inner cogitations of not very interesting characters.
This was a quick and very unsatisfying read.