A SCI-FI THRILLER WITH HEURISTIC DIMENSIONS ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Book Review: "Lucy meets Artificial Intelligence" by Anandajit Goswami and Debashis Chakraborty
Artificial intelligence (AI), sometimes called machine intelligence, is intelligence demonstrated by machines, unlike the natural intelligence displayed by humans and animals. With increasing mechanisation and technological advancements, this term has become a part of the general parlance nowadays. The term is also used in the context of job losses due to automation. The author Anandajit Goswami’s book “Lucy meets AI”, which he has co-authored with Debashis Chakraborty, forays into the various pros and cons of AI in a futuristic world. This book is one in a series of many books by Anandajit Goswami, in his quest of providing didactic knowledge about complex concepts to the general readers through simple stories.
The book is a sequel to “Lucy and the Train: Tryst with Sustainability”, wherein after her adventures in the train, Lucy embarks on another adventure in the world of AI. After her journey through train compartments wherein the overarching theme is sustainability; in the story, Lucy confronts the larger challenge of survival between humanity, sustainability, and artificial intelligence. Will Lucy be successful in facing the impending struggle? The storyline then goes on to answer this question.
Lucy is the subject of scientific experiments in this book, and lands in the years 2150 and 2250 in two different experiments. In 2250, humanity is facing a growing discord and internal tension among the three income groups related to growing pressure on adoption of sustainability measures, and also from the AIs, which may threaten human existence. In this world, which is futuristic and cutting-edge, social marginalisation, and racial and caste prejudice is all the more evident.
In this world, while the poorest and middle-income class are settled in economically backward ‘the Reef’ and ‘Domus’ respectively, a small yet affluent rich class has created smart islands called ‘Eden’ for themselves. Also, a section of the super-rich class has evolved, who go on to live in an artificial satellite township named ‘Elio’ in space.
The narrative, while highlighting the various social divisions and human psychological perspectives in a futuristic world, delves into the realm of sci-fi. It is pertinent to mention that despite of numerous technological advancements, the world portrayed is one teeming with conflicts of various sorts – technological, socio-economic, environmental, emotional, and cultural.
The character development is spot on in the book, with back stories and astute details about the various characters adding nuance to the narrative. With various twists and turns in the narrative, the narrative is gripping.
The multi-layered narrative, written in a simple and lucid format, with elements of a suspense thriller and sci-fi is what makes this book a riveting read. This is a pioneering read which delves into themes of social class divisions, dystopia, sustainability, technological conflict – viewing all these themes through a distinct lens, and should be read by readers wanting to get a more intuitive and informational perspective on the subject.