Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Lauer will keep readers guessing from start to finish. Even though there are plot points that would benefit from more detail and intrigue, the author evokes the emotion of the reader from the beginning as the main character has grown up in a zoo run by AI robots.
Prose: Vividly written with an even tone, Lauer capably builds a distinctive world, allowing the reader to feel the captivity of the zoo and leaving them wondering what is on the other side of the walls.
Originality: While the topic of artificial intelligence is familiar territory for fiction, Lauer's work feels especially original, riveting, and timely.
Character/Execution: Mirin is a well-developed character who is thoughtful and inquisitive. Her companions are equally unique and layered, while the robot characters are afforded a degree of unexpected depth.
Date Submitted: May 23, 2023
The Girl in the Zoo
by
Jennifer Lauer (Goodreads Author)
mango_vodka's review
Jan 06, 2023
It was amazing
Jennifer Lauer's debut novel, The Girl in the Zoo, is a complex exploration of motherhood, humanity, relationships, and ethics all set in an apocalyptical future run by robots. Twenty six year old Mirin has been living in a 'zoo' for six years, forced to perform for treats tossed by robot onlookers and experience attempted matings with other captive humans. Spurred by seeing a flash of humanity in her robot caretaker's mechanical eyes, The Girl in the Zoo is the tale of Mirin's plan to escape over the course of several months.
Fantastic read. Some parts were deliciously disturbing, while others cast a deep introspective light sure to touch readers. I typically don't like romance elements at all, but Lauer layers these components in nicely without bogging down the story. Each of the characters has their moment to shine, while still allowing the focus to be on Mirin and the world she finds herself in.
One thing to note is that The Girl in the Zoo is definitely a sci-fi and might not be a favorite of readers uninterested in the genre, so maybe skip this one if that's not your thing.
Note: I received a free ebook copy of The Girl in the Zoo from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jamie
413 reviews23 followers
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December 26, 2022
I received a digital ARC from Kings of Kontent Inc, through NetGalley.
This is the first novel that I’ve read in a little less than two days in quite some time. I absolutely loved this story, and watched it play out in my head like a movie. I would stop reading, and it would take me a minute to remember where I was. I am excited to recommend this novel to friends.
