Monday, July 9, 2018

The James Machine, by Kate Osias

[Clarkesworld]
★★★☆☆ Average

(Near-Future SF) When James was dying, he and his wife, Cat, worked to build an AI based on his personality that could keep her company in his absence. It seemed like a good idea at the time. (4,217 words; Time: 14m)


"," by (edited by Neil Clarke), appeared in issue 142, published on .

Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)

Pro: It has very moving moments, such as when Cat reaches for James in the bed and then remembers he’s gone.

In terms of plot, it’s really about Cat coming to accept JM and then loving “him” enough to set him free, with a conclusion that suggests he might return to her in robot form.

Con: Crafting a general AI in your house is about as plausible as building a passenger rocket ship in your back yard.

Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 142)
Kate Osias Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline

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