In a reunified, near-future Korea where robots are integrated but marginalized, three estranged siblings—two human, one robot—are drawn together by a murder investigation and the resurfacing of their lost robot brother, forcing them to confront family trauma, identity, and the blurred boundaries between human and machine. The novel explores themes of memory, grief, disability, gender, and the ethics of AI, offering a poignant meditation on what it means to be human in a technologically advanced society.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a reunified Korea of the near future, the novel follows three estranged siblings—Jun, Morgan, and Yoyo—two of whom are human and one a robot, as their lives intersect amid a murder investigation and the broader societal integration of robots. Robots in this world serve as surrogates, servants, children, and lovers, but remain second-class citizens, and the story explores the blurred boundaries between bionic and organic life. Jun, a war veteran and detective in the Robot Crimes Unit, is drawn back into contact with his sister Morgan, a prominent robot designer secretly dating one of her own creations. Meanwhile, Ruijie, an eleven-year-old disabled girl reliant on robotic braces, discovers the robot boy Yoyo in a junkyard, forming a bond with him. The narrative weaves together themes of family trauma, memory, identity, disability, gender, and the ethics of AI, as the siblings confront their past and the meaning of humanity in a technologically advanced society. The book incorporates elements of science fiction, mystery, and literary fiction, with references to Korean culture, philosophy, and religion, and has been compared to works like Klara and the Sun and We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves.

Readers praised the book for its evocative writing, complex worldbuilding, and exploration of philosophical and ethical questions surrounding AI, personhood, and memory. Many highlighted the emotional depth of the characters, particularly the nuanced portrayal of grief, trauma, and family dynamics. The representation of disability and gender, including a transmasculine protagonist and post-gender themes, was noted as both thoughtful and integral to the story. Specific scenes and lines were frequently cited as memorable, and the integration of Korean cultural details and references to religion and philosophy added further layers to the narrative. The book’s cover art and the inclusion of humor amid serious topics were also appreciated, as was the handling of the relationships between humans and robots, especially the depiction of robots as children and companions.

Some readers found the writing style challenging, describing it as inconsistent, peculiar, or difficult to follow due to choppiness, time jumps, and heavy worldbuilding that could overwhelm the plot. The pacing was considered slow by several reviewers, with some feeling the book was overlong or that the narrative threads were hard to keep track of. A few readers felt that certain themes or character relationships were not fully developed or concluded, and that the book sometimes only scratched the surface of its philosophical questions. There were also comments about scientific inaccuracies and confusion over some cultural or technical references. For some, the literary style and fragmented structure made it hard to connect with the characters or fully grasp the setting.

The book has received an average rating of 4.03 out of 5 from 215 ratings and 112 full reviews, indicating a generally positive reception with a range of reader responses. It is Silvia Park’s debut novel and is positioned as both science fiction and literary fiction, appealing to readers interested in AI, identity, and social issues. The story has been compared to other works in the genre and has generated discussion about its potential for adaptation, with rumors of a TV series in development. The novel’s exploration of post-humanism, consumerism, and the intersection of technology and society has resonated with various audiences, including those interested in trans and disability representation.