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OK, I did not see a novel about a sentient sex robot being one of my favourite reads of 2024, but this book is amazing!

Annie is a top-of-the-line robot customized and trained to be mediocre white guy Doug’s perfect girlfriend. Her sole goal in life is to make him happy. But after a brutal fight leaves her scared he’s going to reset her, effectively erasing her personality and memories, she runs away. And she begins to discover that there is more to life than pleasing Doug.

I loved the subtle ways this book pointed to Doug’s sexism. He’s not an outright monster (in fact, technicians at the company that built Annie constantly tell her how lucky she is), but he so clearly does not desire an equal partner. We see this both in his alternately snide and patronizing treatment of Annie and in his descriptions of his ex-wife (who had the audacity to pursue her own goals and hobbies!)

This book has a strong feminist message, but it’s not didactic or preachy. The themes of empowerment are wrapped inside a damn good story. It’s a delight to watch Annie’s inner journey as she realizes she has intellectual depths that Doug can’t see.

I’m a big fan of this one!