Max Barry: Providence (2020, G.P. Putnam's Sons)
hardcover, 320 pages
Published March 31, 2020 by G.P. Putnam's Sons.
Max Barry's speculative fiction has often been published just ahead of big cultural moments it is well suited to shed light on. This novel from 2020 focuses on AI and PR in a way that seems perfectly suited for the 2022-2023 surge in AI use. There are thrilling space war trappings, but Barry's wit and those presently pressing concerns make it more than just another sci fi adventure.
I think it's significant that this is the first book I have finished in a long time.
It's good, serious science fiction. With interesting thinking about where our algorithmically controlled social media future might be heading.
It's space war, but not like any space war story I've ever read. Definitely not "rah, rah, go humans!" stuff.
It's not one I'd recommend for every sci-fi fan. But if you're into Philip K. Dick or Harlan Ellison, this is worth a look.
