Bestselling author Naomi Alderman talks new book 'The Future' : "We wake up terrified of the future"

TL;DR

In "The Future," author Naomi Alderman explores a near-future world where billionaires rely on survival bunkers as the world faces impending doom, discussing the ethical implications of such actions.

Transcript

hi everybody I am here with Naomi Alderman who is author of the future the latest read for our new scientist book club it's an Eco Thriller it's a techno Thriller perhaps it's set in a very near future of this world and it opens as a billionaire discovers while he's on a retreat intended to help with his rage issues the world is ending and he needs... Read More

Key Insights

• 🙈 The novel delves into the ethical implications of billionaires opting to escape an apocalypse while ignoring the well-being of others.
• 🏛️ Real-life instances of billionaires building bunkers highlight the convergence of fiction and reality.
• ✊ The author aims to challenge the concentration of power by presenting alternative perspectives on survival and rebuilding.
• 🫚 "The Future" explores the desire for a fresh start, which may be rooted in humanity's evolutionary instincts.
• 🦊 Indigenous communities and their more fox-like lifestyles are highlighted as sources of wisdom and fulfillment.
• 🪜 The novel's incorporation of fables, such as the story of Lot, adds depth and richness to the narrative.
• 🖐️ Machine learning, represented through Menace's game-playing abilities, raises questions about the limits and dangers of relying on artificial intelligence.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired the author to write "The Future"?

The author was inspired by a New Yorker magazine article in 2017 about tech billionaires building survival bunkers, finding the idea disturbing and feeling the need to explore its implications further.

Q: How does the novel differ from the author's previous work, "The Power"?

While "The Power" depicted a dystopia where teenage girls develop a shocking ability, "The Future" is set in a world where the apocalypse has already occurred. It offers a different perspective on power and explores the potential for optimism and rebuilding.

Q: Did real-life instances of billionaires like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg building bunkers influence the novel?

Yes, the actions of real-life billionaires building bunkers are referenced in the novel. The author finds the convergence of reality and fiction both fascinating and terrifying.

Q: Is "The Future" an optimistic or pessimistic novel about the end of the world?

While the novel initially seems grim, it ultimately presents a sense of optimism. The author wanted to explore the possibility of a brighter future and the potential for positive change, even in the face of impending doom.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• "The Future" is an eco techno thriller that follows three billionaires who receive an alert that the world is ending and must seek refuge in their survival bunkers.

• The novel explores the ethical concerns and dangerous consequences of billionaires' belief that they can escape an apocalypse while neglecting the welfare of others.

• Inspired by real-life instances of tech billionaires building bunkers, the author delves into the motivations behind such actions and the potential dangers of concentrated power.