Funny, touching, charming, wise and a bit magical, this is a novel that explores what it is to be a man, a sentient being and even a parent. A Robot in the Garden is a gem of a first novel, perfect for anyone who has ever found it difficult to connect with the world.
What would you do if you found a robot in your back garden? For 34-year-old Ben Chambers the answer is obvious: find out where it came from and return it home, even if it means losing his wife in the process. Determined to achieve something for once in his life, Ben embarks on a journey that takes him and the endearing robot, Tang, to the far side of the globe...and back again. Along the way Ben begins to change, subtly at first, and then in ways that only become clear on his return to the house he's always lived in.
Review:
Right up front, I will admit that it is a bit twee on the surface. The want-for-nothing, rich main character with emotional baggage, Ben, goes on a journey around the world to save his new robot friend. Nothing too dramatic or negative happens. Although set in a world where robots and androids are a common thing, it's still a very unrealistic plot. But the writing and characters are so fun that, if you're in the right mood, you won't care about the lack of realism.
I didn't like the character of Ben's wife, Amy. She's an overly-ambitious, manipulative complainer who doesn't have the guts to clearly tell Ben she's changed her mind about having kids. But getting pregnant and being away from Ben for two months is enough to "soften" her? As if! Although it doesn't say so in the book, I believe she married him for his money, because they don't seem to have much in common at all. Granted, all we know is how they met and how their marriage ends.
Tang is a child-substitute robot. Petulant, prone to tantrums when he doesn't get his own way, but also curious, sweet, and caring.
There is, however, an underlying theme of prejudice. The robot could stand in for other minorities; there are examples of segregation and discrimination. Separate lines at the airport for humans, androids, and robots. Not being served because you have a robot with you. And those are just two representations.
Although none of the characters are fully developed, there is some depth to this novel. Aside from having a moral about bias, my dislike for some of the characters, and a predictable happy ending, I really liked this lighthearted and fun book.
I also appreciate the coincidence that a book about AI and robots is written by an author with the last name of 'install'.
Read on,
Paula
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