“Hum” by Helen Phillips is a gripping dystopian thriller that delves into the anxieties and existential fears of modern life, especially those centered around motherhood, identity, and technological advancements. Released in August 2024, this novel offers a haunting portrayal of a world teetering on the edge, where the relentless march of technology and climate change shapes the lives of its inhabitants. The novel’s protagonist, May Webb, finds herself in a precarious situation as she navigates a reality where artificial intelligence and environmental decay threaten to dismantle the very fabric of her family’s existence.
Plot Overview
Set in a near-future city ravaged by climate change and dominated by AI, “Hum” follows May Webb, a mother who loses her job to a robot, or “hum,” as they are called. In a desperate bid to secure her family’s financial future, May participates in an experimental procedure that renders her unrecognizable to surveillance systems. This drastic measure underscores the pervasive presence of technology in every aspect of life, as even one’s identity becomes a commodity to be altered and controlled.
The story intensifies when May takes her family to a rare natural refuge, the Botanical Garden, in hopes of finding solace from their digital addictions. However, the garden’s beauty fails to provide the peace she seeks, and the story takes a darker turn when her children’s safety is jeopardized. The novel’s tension escalates as May is forced to rely on an AI entity, a “hum,” to protect her family, highlighting the blurred lines between trust and technology in a world where both are increasingly intertwined.
Themes: The Intersection of Motherhood, Technology, and Anxiety
Phillips masterfully explores the complexities of motherhood in a world dominated by technological progress and environmental degradation. May’s struggles with her role as a mother, her fractured relationship with her husband, and her fight to maintain a sense of self amidst overwhelming societal pressures form the emotional core of the novel. The “hum,” both as a technological device and as a metaphor for the constant background noise of modern life, represents the omnipresent anxiety that plagues the protagonist.
The novel’s minimalist prose and fragmented narrative structure effectively convey the disorienting nature of May’s reality, drawing readers into her world of perpetual unease. The lack of a traditional plot and the use of diary-like entries mirror the chaotic and often disjointed nature of her thoughts, making the reading experience both immersive and unsettling.
Reception
“Hum” has garnered mixed reviews, with some critics praising its evocative prose and thought-provoking themes, while others have found its narrative structure and pacing challenging. For instance, some reviewers have lauded the novel’s ability to capture the “gentle shimmer of uncanniness” in everyday life, effectively connecting maternal guilt with the larger socio-economic forces at play. However, others have critiqued the book for its abstract narrative, arguing that the lack of a cohesive plot can make the story feel disjointed and difficult to follow.
Despite these criticisms, “Hum” has been recognized as a significant contribution to the genre of speculative fiction, particularly for its exploration of the intersection between personal identity and technological advancement. The novel’s depiction of a future that feels eerily plausible has resonated with readers, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.
Conclusion
“Hum” by Helen Phillips is not a novel for those seeking a light, escapist read. Instead, it offers a profound and often disturbing reflection on the potential consequences of our current trajectory. Through its exploration of motherhood, identity, and the encroaching presence of technology, “Hum” challenges readers to consider the cost of progress and the fragile nature of the world we inhabit.
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