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The After Wife
She was a brilliant, high-flying scientist. He was her loving and supportive husband.
Now she's gone, and Aidan must carry on and raise their daughter alone.
But Rachel has left behind her life's work, a gift of love to see them through the dark days after her death.
A gift called iRachel.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2018
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1245 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
August 13, 2018
"The After Wife" by Cass Hunter was a fabulous and moving read that really tugged at my heartstrings. What an emotional but highly intelligent and well written story! I didn't know what to expect from the blurb, as it sounded quite fantastical but once I started reading it, I was astounded by how much I was addicted to it and couldn't put it down.
Blurb - When Rachel and Aidan fell in love, they thought it was forever. She was a brilliant, high-flying scientist. He was her loving and supportive husband. Now she's gone, and Aidan must carry on and raise their daughter alone.But Rachel has left behind her life's work, a gift of love to see them through the dark days after her death. A gift called iRachel.
This was such an unusual storyline incorporating a human like artificial intelligence robot to replace a dead wife of which she herself helped to design and build for her family, knowing she was going to die young. The whole story was very emotional and really did break my heart at times. When Aidan was introduced to iRachel (Rachel's robot) I could truly feel his pain and understand his frustration. I loved iRachel immensely and felt like she really became a member of the family - caring, empathic and friendly, really not something you would expect from a machine. I actually liked all the characters, as a reader it always a pleasure to be able to feel all the emotions first hand and since each character had a different reaction to Rachel's death and iRachel including Luke, Rachel's scientist partner it made compelling reading discovering each of their thoughts.
The ending did have me brimming with tears, there was never going to be a perfect conclusion to this scenario and although I may have wanted a slightly different ending myself, the final chapter was just perfect to fit the story in a realistic and unique way.
If you want to read something different and I mean COMPLETELY different then this is the book for you, it was like something I've never read before EVER and will stay with me a very long time. I can easily see this being made into a movie, I believe one like it has already been made similar with Robin Williams which too had me teary eyed.
I'd very happily recommend this beautiful book and talented author - so much research and heart felt passion has gone into writing it.
An exceptional read that I'm so pleased to have encountered!
5 stars
Blurb - When Rachel and Aidan fell in love, they thought it was forever. She was a brilliant, high-flying scientist. He was her loving and supportive husband. Now she's gone, and Aidan must carry on and raise their daughter alone.But Rachel has left behind her life's work, a gift of love to see them through the dark days after her death. A gift called iRachel.
This was such an unusual storyline incorporating a human like artificial intelligence robot to replace a dead wife of which she herself helped to design and build for her family, knowing she was going to die young. The whole story was very emotional and really did break my heart at times. When Aidan was introduced to iRachel (Rachel's robot) I could truly feel his pain and understand his frustration. I loved iRachel immensely and felt like she really became a member of the family - caring, empathic and friendly, really not something you would expect from a machine. I actually liked all the characters, as a reader it always a pleasure to be able to feel all the emotions first hand and since each character had a different reaction to Rachel's death and iRachel including Luke, Rachel's scientist partner it made compelling reading discovering each of their thoughts.
The ending did have me brimming with tears, there was never going to be a perfect conclusion to this scenario and although I may have wanted a slightly different ending myself, the final chapter was just perfect to fit the story in a realistic and unique way.
If you want to read something different and I mean COMPLETELY different then this is the book for you, it was like something I've never read before EVER and will stay with me a very long time. I can easily see this being made into a movie, I believe one like it has already been made similar with Robin Williams which too had me teary eyed.
I'd very happily recommend this beautiful book and talented author - so much research and heart felt passion has gone into writing it.
An exceptional read that I'm so pleased to have encountered!
5 stars
July 7, 2018
Rachel a scientist was happily married to Aidan for 18 years and they have a 15 year old daughter Chloe.
From the start you can see that they are very much in love and very supportive of each other, their love is the type that even death cannot extinguish.
After Rachel dies leaving Aidan bereft and clueless on how to carry on without her, he discovers what Rachel’s being working on and meets irachel, I knew at this point there is no way I’d be physically able to be separated from this book!!Anyone who watched and enjoyed the Netflix series Black Mirror will adore this book!
This book is beautifully written exploring the transition period after losing someone, it was a roller coaster of emotions from disbelieve, despair and eventually coming to terms with loss and the inevitability of life moving on.
I was very moved by this book, this family captures you’re heart and you can really feel their grief, I did have a tear in my eye at the end and would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you to netgalley for my copy on exchange for a review.
From the start you can see that they are very much in love and very supportive of each other, their love is the type that even death cannot extinguish.
After Rachel dies leaving Aidan bereft and clueless on how to carry on without her, he discovers what Rachel’s being working on and meets irachel, I knew at this point there is no way I’d be physically able to be separated from this book!!Anyone who watched and enjoyed the Netflix series Black Mirror will adore this book!
This book is beautifully written exploring the transition period after losing someone, it was a roller coaster of emotions from disbelieve, despair and eventually coming to terms with loss and the inevitability of life moving on.
I was very moved by this book, this family captures you’re heart and you can really feel their grief, I did have a tear in my eye at the end and would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you to netgalley for my copy on exchange for a review.
March 25, 2021
“Good day. I am iRachel, a human-oid android. I am here to assist you in anyway you require. I can impart this message to you in text, by voice or as a video transmit it to a computer or television”.
“I am an empathetic robot, who responds to the humans with whom I interact. I learn from these interactions, and in this way I become more able to help and a better companion to you”.
“My co-creator, Luke, has supplied each of you with a wristband to wear. The wristband is made of black rubber and resembles many of the sport watches or fitness monitors currently available”.
“The band will allow me to measure certain types of physiological responses”.
Aidan had never doubted his wife’s love, even though her passion for her work had often caused strain between them. But now she was gone, now there was no more of her to have, he felt envy that Luke had had so much of her time. Aidan wished to hear every conversation Luke had with his wife, — wished to be privy to every science - work - secret.
Before Rachel died she had recorded a message. One for Luke to read and one for Aidan.
Rachel knew that Aidan would never agree to an android coming to live at their house so she wrote a program into the hard drive. Aidan couldn’t exactly turn iRachel away.
iRachel had been programmed to perform all common housekeeping tasks. She could launder clothes, iron, clean and cook. She was even given access to their online shopping accounts, so she could keep the household well-stocked and manage day today financial transactions, paying bills and so on.
Rachel was dead....
[she had been a brilliant scientist workaholic/ wife and mother].
But....
Aidan and and his daughter Chloe, would soon have a
dead-wife ‘look-a-like’ robot move in.
Just a little creepy?
Or...
maybe a love-compassionate nourishing-replacement?
Luke, (non-sociable science geek), thought it sounded pretty perfect to him to have an iRachel. Luke was a little jealous of Rachel’s husband, Aidan.
Rachael had been the only human he respected.
but now Aidan was getting Rachel’s creation: iRachel.
To Luke... he didn’t see the problem with Aidan getting a ‘dead-wife-look-a-like’ robot.
Luke only saw the advantages.
iRachel never gets tired, never complains, doesn’t need food or holidays and doesn’t even need to be polite. iRachel, has a built-in learning program. If Aidan or Chloe wants food cooked a certain way, she would deliver as pleased.
It’s called slavery!.... lol
Human-non-human-robot-slavery!!!
iRachel was hot too.
She looked good naked. ( too good).
Aidan wouldn’t have anything to do with a naked iRachel walking around the house with her natural ease. Aidan made iRachel put some clothes on.
After all... it ‘wasn’t’ appropriate. She wasn’t his ‘wife’.
However....
in a strange way, Aidan and Chloe began to find having iRachel live with them to - almost ‘normal’.
Personally — I was thinking ...
“I might adapt to an iRachel pretty fast...
Cleans, cooks, pay bills, does all the online household shopping needs?
A daily robotic-slave girl? If she gave massages, too—wow, I’d be in 7th-heaven.
But.....
maybe.....
just maybe....
a ‘dead-wife-look-a-like’ robot....
is a more complicated than meets the eye.
TONS of FUN....great little story!!!!
Page turning!!!
ADORABLE!!!!
.....programmed with built-
emotional feelings!!
LOTS of thought-provoking scenarios....
LOTS of LOVE 💕
“I am an empathetic robot, who responds to the humans with whom I interact. I learn from these interactions, and in this way I become more able to help and a better companion to you”.
“My co-creator, Luke, has supplied each of you with a wristband to wear. The wristband is made of black rubber and resembles many of the sport watches or fitness monitors currently available”.
“The band will allow me to measure certain types of physiological responses”.
Aidan had never doubted his wife’s love, even though her passion for her work had often caused strain between them. But now she was gone, now there was no more of her to have, he felt envy that Luke had had so much of her time. Aidan wished to hear every conversation Luke had with his wife, — wished to be privy to every science - work - secret.
Before Rachel died she had recorded a message. One for Luke to read and one for Aidan.
Rachel knew that Aidan would never agree to an android coming to live at their house so she wrote a program into the hard drive. Aidan couldn’t exactly turn iRachel away.
iRachel had been programmed to perform all common housekeeping tasks. She could launder clothes, iron, clean and cook. She was even given access to their online shopping accounts, so she could keep the household well-stocked and manage day today financial transactions, paying bills and so on.
Rachel was dead....
[she had been a brilliant scientist workaholic/ wife and mother].
But....
Aidan and and his daughter Chloe, would soon have a
dead-wife ‘look-a-like’ robot move in.
Just a little creepy?
Or...
maybe a love-compassionate nourishing-replacement?
Luke, (non-sociable science geek), thought it sounded pretty perfect to him to have an iRachel. Luke was a little jealous of Rachel’s husband, Aidan.
Rachael had been the only human he respected.
but now Aidan was getting Rachel’s creation: iRachel.
To Luke... he didn’t see the problem with Aidan getting a ‘dead-wife-look-a-like’ robot.
Luke only saw the advantages.
iRachel never gets tired, never complains, doesn’t need food or holidays and doesn’t even need to be polite. iRachel, has a built-in learning program. If Aidan or Chloe wants food cooked a certain way, she would deliver as pleased.
It’s called slavery!.... lol
Human-non-human-robot-slavery!!!
iRachel was hot too.
She looked good naked. ( too good).
Aidan wouldn’t have anything to do with a naked iRachel walking around the house with her natural ease. Aidan made iRachel put some clothes on.
After all... it ‘wasn’t’ appropriate. She wasn’t his ‘wife’.
However....
in a strange way, Aidan and Chloe began to find having iRachel live with them to - almost ‘normal’.
Personally — I was thinking ...
“I might adapt to an iRachel pretty fast...
Cleans, cooks, pay bills, does all the online household shopping needs?
A daily robotic-slave girl? If she gave massages, too—wow, I’d be in 7th-heaven.
But.....
maybe.....
just maybe....
a ‘dead-wife-look-a-like’ robot....
is a more complicated than meets the eye.
TONS of FUN....great little story!!!!
Page turning!!!
ADORABLE!!!!
.....programmed with built-
emotional feelings!!
LOTS of thought-provoking scenarios....
LOTS of LOVE 💕
January 2, 2022
3.45 ⭐
Книгата е с интересен замисъл, но е по- скоро романс/ семейна история с научно- фантастични елементи, отколкото твърда научна фантасика, каквато очаквах да бъде.
И въпреки всичко, именно сърдечността и емоционалността на романа, му придава някакъв особен чар.
Книгата е с интересен замисъл, но е по- скоро романс/ семейна история с научно- фантастични елементи, отколкото твърда научна фантасика, каквато очаквах да бъде.
И въпреки всичко, именно сърдечността и емоционалността на романа, му придава някакъв особен чар.
May 1, 2019
Four and a half stars.
Rachel is a brilliant scientist. Her career and the work she is doing is important to her. Aiden accepts this and is always there to pick up the slack and has spent more time over the years looking after their, now 15 year old, daughter Chloe than Rachel has. And that’s ok. They are each happy with their life choices, happy in the marriage and still very much in love. But when the unthinkable occurs Aden and Chloe are left to manage alone. Or maybe not? For Rachel has left behind something that will help them to cope though it may also raise some other issues they never expected. Aiden also has to decide how best he can help his mother, Sinead, who is starting to show signs of dementia.
I have kept the information about the plot deliberately short as I think it’s best to go into this book with an open mind and not knowing too much about it. This is a quirky, touching story about loss, grief and dealing with the unexpected. There were moments that made me smile and others where tears threatened. Keeping secrets invokes a price as Chloe finds out in her relationship with her friends Amy and Jess. But could divulging the truth bring more problems? Much of the story is told from Aiden’s and Chloe’s points of view, although there are some chapters from other points of view. This certainly gives the reader a full picture of what is happening. The portrayal of grief is well handled.
I admit at one stage I got a bit concerned about where the story was heading and I was getting worried. I needn’t have worried. It didn’t go there. Instead it headed off in a different and much more interesting direction. I found this a thoroughly involving and at times heartbreaking story especially towards the end. A different, emotive and intriguing read which I highly recommend.
Rachel is a brilliant scientist. Her career and the work she is doing is important to her. Aiden accepts this and is always there to pick up the slack and has spent more time over the years looking after their, now 15 year old, daughter Chloe than Rachel has. And that’s ok. They are each happy with their life choices, happy in the marriage and still very much in love. But when the unthinkable occurs Aden and Chloe are left to manage alone. Or maybe not? For Rachel has left behind something that will help them to cope though it may also raise some other issues they never expected. Aiden also has to decide how best he can help his mother, Sinead, who is starting to show signs of dementia.
I have kept the information about the plot deliberately short as I think it’s best to go into this book with an open mind and not knowing too much about it. This is a quirky, touching story about loss, grief and dealing with the unexpected. There were moments that made me smile and others where tears threatened. Keeping secrets invokes a price as Chloe finds out in her relationship with her friends Amy and Jess. But could divulging the truth bring more problems? Much of the story is told from Aiden’s and Chloe’s points of view, although there are some chapters from other points of view. This certainly gives the reader a full picture of what is happening. The portrayal of grief is well handled.
I admit at one stage I got a bit concerned about where the story was heading and I was getting worried. I needn’t have worried. It didn’t go there. Instead it headed off in a different and much more interesting direction. I found this a thoroughly involving and at times heartbreaking story especially towards the end. A different, emotive and intriguing read which I highly recommend.
Read
April 11, 2018Review to come.
Definitely a book to group with the likes of Calling Major Tom and Lost & Found, though perhaps not quite so powerful. A little quirky, a little funny, a little emotional, and a good, quick read.
A story about a family going through one emotional situation after another, with a quirky robot to assist. It deals with dementia, death, grief, friendship, and there's a certain message here about a kind of ableism, too... about letting a person decide to live a life they want to live, and to deal with their health issues in the way they choose.
Definitely a book to group with the likes of Calling Major Tom and Lost & Found, though perhaps not quite so powerful. A little quirky, a little funny, a little emotional, and a good, quick read.
A story about a family going through one emotional situation after another, with a quirky robot to assist. It deals with dementia, death, grief, friendship, and there's a certain message here about a kind of ableism, too... about letting a person decide to live a life they want to live, and to deal with their health issues in the way they choose.
August 1, 2018
Всеки запален читател си има любими теми, които моментално го карат да посегне към дадена книга, независимо дали е получил препоръки за нея, дали харесва корицата и дали авторът му е познат или напротив – за първи път чува за него. За мен едни от тези теми са високите технологии и особено изкуствения интелект, така че срещата ми с дебютния роман на Кас Хънтър беше неизбежна.
https://www.jenatadnes.com/chitatelsk...
https://www.jenatadnes.com/chitatelsk...
September 8, 2018
At last I can share my review having read this book months ago! I fell in love.
Oh The After Wife was beautiful. Simply beautiful.
You wouldn’t think a book featuring a robot could be so gorgeously emotional, but the heart of this novel has little to do with the science and everything to do with an exploration of love, loss and finding a way into an unexpected future.
Cass Hunter writes with a simple complexity, involving the reader in her character’s lives as if they were right next door, it is entirely addictively wonderful and genuinely heart breaking – if you read the restaurant scene and don’t well up just a little you must have a heart of stone.
Quirky, with truth at the centre of it, an emotionally charged finale and some unforgettable characters, The After Wife is a clever, nuanced tale of all that which makes us human.
Loved it. Highly Recommended.
Oh The After Wife was beautiful. Simply beautiful.
You wouldn’t think a book featuring a robot could be so gorgeously emotional, but the heart of this novel has little to do with the science and everything to do with an exploration of love, loss and finding a way into an unexpected future.
Cass Hunter writes with a simple complexity, involving the reader in her character’s lives as if they were right next door, it is entirely addictively wonderful and genuinely heart breaking – if you read the restaurant scene and don’t well up just a little you must have a heart of stone.
Quirky, with truth at the centre of it, an emotionally charged finale and some unforgettable characters, The After Wife is a clever, nuanced tale of all that which makes us human.
Loved it. Highly Recommended.
September 14, 2018
4.5/5
This book has such a fascinating premise, imagine being able to leave behind an eerily human like robot after your death. It sounds so crazy and far fetched but also sort of possible at the same time. It was such a fresh, unique storyline and way more emotional than I would’ve guessed.
This is told via alternate perspectives giving you a birds eye look at how one family is coping with the loss of one of their own. Hunter did an outstanding job of capturing a family in the throes of grief and it was a very emotive read. The cast of characters are memorable and genuine and this was just an overall highly enjoyable read.
The After Wife in three words: Evocative, Moving and Beautiful.
This book has such a fascinating premise, imagine being able to leave behind an eerily human like robot after your death. It sounds so crazy and far fetched but also sort of possible at the same time. It was such a fresh, unique storyline and way more emotional than I would’ve guessed.
This is told via alternate perspectives giving you a birds eye look at how one family is coping with the loss of one of their own. Hunter did an outstanding job of capturing a family in the throes of grief and it was a very emotive read. The cast of characters are memorable and genuine and this was just an overall highly enjoyable read.
The After Wife in three words: Evocative, Moving and Beautiful.
June 19, 2018
4.5 звезди
Невероятна! Силно емоционална и толкова красиво написана, история, която едновременно разглежда необятните дълбини на човешкия мозък и още по-заплетения лабиринт на изкуствения интелект. Много ми хареса и определено съм щастлива, че подобна история е достъпна за българския читател.
Невероятна! Силно емоционална и толкова красиво написана, история, която едновременно разглежда необятните дълбини на човешкия мозък и още по-заплетения лабиринт на изкуствения интелект. Много ми хареса и определено съм щастлива, че подобна история е достъпна за българския читател.
September 18, 2018
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Do not read this book in public. At various times you will be a blubbering mess.
What can I say about The After Wife. I ADORED it.
I have to admit when I first realised it was about a robot, I thought “is this going to be for me”, not being scientifically minded at all. I am SO glad I picked up this up and if I hadn’t read it, I would have missed out on an absolute gem.
The principal characters are Rachel, her husband Adrian and teenage daughter Chloe. And of course iRachel. Rachel is a brilliant scientist and together with a colleague Luke, they have been building a humanoid robot. Not just one that can carry out tasks but one that can also express empathy and can be a worthwhile companion. Rachel has been writing the code and inputting huge amounts of data whilst Luke is responsible for the appearance and movement. He has decided to make it in Rachel’s image.
When tragedy strikes, iRachel ends up living with Adrian and Chloe. They are both blindsided by grief and resistant to the idea however this was Rachel’s last wish. There was a part of me that initially thought how cruel can you be to inflict a robotic replica of yourself onto your grieving family and I couldn’t get my head around why anyone would want to do that but as time went on, I realised that they all needed each other and that far from hindering the grieving process, it helped in moving their lives forward.
This is a story of love, loss, grief and hope. It’s sad. You will need tissues. There were times when I cried but its also very funny with some witty observations and one-liners and I veered between snotty tears one minute and snorting with laughter the next. On the face of it, it sounds a far fetched concept but when you look at the robots that are currently being developed, perhaps this isn’t such a bizarre idea for the future
Mainly narrated (in the third person) by Adrian, Chloe, and iRachel, you can’t help but feel a proper engagement and empathy with that person. I fell in love with all the characters for different reasons, I even liked Luke (despite his rude, taciturn manner and lack of people skills). Even though she was super busy and always at work, Rachel had run the house like clockwork and Adrian, despite being a great dad, had a hard act to follow. Chloe was a typical teenager, a bit stroppy at times and wanting to push boundaries but underneath she had a good heart and was heartbroken by the loss of her mum and the thought that she had been a disappointment to her. And as for That Letter! I was reading that part on the train and I couldn’t read through my tears. I had to put the book away. Aidan’s mother, Sinead had been a strong independent woman but was now facing her own failing health problems. iRachel was just a wonderful character and made me want a humanoid of my own. Not only did she do household tasks – she cooked and cleaned! she had an infinite database of information but also she was learning about human emotions and how to interact. There was one part, near the end, when she made a long speech and it broke me. All these characters pushed their way into my heart and it made for a wonderfully emotive read.
Cass Hunter has written this quite beautifully with superb characterisation and emotional depth. I was charmed from the first page and I really didn’t want the story to end.
All the love and all the stars for this one. I can’t recommend it enough.
What can I say about The After Wife. I ADORED it.
I have to admit when I first realised it was about a robot, I thought “is this going to be for me”, not being scientifically minded at all. I am SO glad I picked up this up and if I hadn’t read it, I would have missed out on an absolute gem.
The principal characters are Rachel, her husband Adrian and teenage daughter Chloe. And of course iRachel. Rachel is a brilliant scientist and together with a colleague Luke, they have been building a humanoid robot. Not just one that can carry out tasks but one that can also express empathy and can be a worthwhile companion. Rachel has been writing the code and inputting huge amounts of data whilst Luke is responsible for the appearance and movement. He has decided to make it in Rachel’s image.
When tragedy strikes, iRachel ends up living with Adrian and Chloe. They are both blindsided by grief and resistant to the idea however this was Rachel’s last wish. There was a part of me that initially thought how cruel can you be to inflict a robotic replica of yourself onto your grieving family and I couldn’t get my head around why anyone would want to do that but as time went on, I realised that they all needed each other and that far from hindering the grieving process, it helped in moving their lives forward.
This is a story of love, loss, grief and hope. It’s sad. You will need tissues. There were times when I cried but its also very funny with some witty observations and one-liners and I veered between snotty tears one minute and snorting with laughter the next. On the face of it, it sounds a far fetched concept but when you look at the robots that are currently being developed, perhaps this isn’t such a bizarre idea for the future
Mainly narrated (in the third person) by Adrian, Chloe, and iRachel, you can’t help but feel a proper engagement and empathy with that person. I fell in love with all the characters for different reasons, I even liked Luke (despite his rude, taciturn manner and lack of people skills). Even though she was super busy and always at work, Rachel had run the house like clockwork and Adrian, despite being a great dad, had a hard act to follow. Chloe was a typical teenager, a bit stroppy at times and wanting to push boundaries but underneath she had a good heart and was heartbroken by the loss of her mum and the thought that she had been a disappointment to her. And as for That Letter! I was reading that part on the train and I couldn’t read through my tears. I had to put the book away. Aidan’s mother, Sinead had been a strong independent woman but was now facing her own failing health problems. iRachel was just a wonderful character and made me want a humanoid of my own. Not only did she do household tasks – she cooked and cleaned! she had an infinite database of information but also she was learning about human emotions and how to interact. There was one part, near the end, when she made a long speech and it broke me. All these characters pushed their way into my heart and it made for a wonderfully emotive read.
Cass Hunter has written this quite beautifully with superb characterisation and emotional depth. I was charmed from the first page and I really didn’t want the story to end.
All the love and all the stars for this one. I can’t recommend it enough.
May 30, 2018
I can’t actually liken this book to any other due to the story line. It did remind me very much of the film Bicentennial Man starring the late Robin Williams. Not only was I sobbing my heart out by the end of that film, I also sobbed my heart out at the end of this book too. Not that this is an overly sad book as it isn’t. Yes it does deal with death as well as other life issues but it just moved me and touched my heart in a way I had not foreseen.
None of us can ever imagine what to expect when the time comes to lose a loved one. Especially when they are taken away so suddenly. This is what Aiden and his daughter Chloe find themselves having to deal with and my heart went out to them both. There is no doubting the love that Rachel and Aiden had for each other. Even though they both threw themselves into work, they were still like love struck teenagers years later. It certainly melted my heart seeing Aiden struggling through each day.
Chloe I just loved. She is a strong and determined young lady who was so grown up in many ways, yet very much a child in others. I just wanted to give her a big hug for what she was going through.
Without a doubt iRachel is the star of this book. I don’t want to say to much as I think it is best left for the reader to discover but in a world full of technology this gives a glimpse of what may be possible in the future. I have no clue whether it would be a good or bad thing but it’s certainly a wonderful idea.
The story itself flicks between the characters so you really get the rawness of their emotions and feelings and what they are going through. It makes it such a personal yet wonderful reading experience and one that will stay with me for a long time to come.
The After Wife is a beautiful, emotive and gentle read that I well and truly lost myself into. This is a family whose lives will capture your heart never letting it go. One of my favourite reads this year by far.
My thanks to Trapeze Books and NetGalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
None of us can ever imagine what to expect when the time comes to lose a loved one. Especially when they are taken away so suddenly. This is what Aiden and his daughter Chloe find themselves having to deal with and my heart went out to them both. There is no doubting the love that Rachel and Aiden had for each other. Even though they both threw themselves into work, they were still like love struck teenagers years later. It certainly melted my heart seeing Aiden struggling through each day.
Chloe I just loved. She is a strong and determined young lady who was so grown up in many ways, yet very much a child in others. I just wanted to give her a big hug for what she was going through.
Without a doubt iRachel is the star of this book. I don’t want to say to much as I think it is best left for the reader to discover but in a world full of technology this gives a glimpse of what may be possible in the future. I have no clue whether it would be a good or bad thing but it’s certainly a wonderful idea.
The story itself flicks between the characters so you really get the rawness of their emotions and feelings and what they are going through. It makes it such a personal yet wonderful reading experience and one that will stay with me for a long time to come.
The After Wife is a beautiful, emotive and gentle read that I well and truly lost myself into. This is a family whose lives will capture your heart never letting it go. One of my favourite reads this year by far.
My thanks to Trapeze Books and NetGalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
March 21, 2020
I loved this book ! I know very little about robots and AI so I have no idea if the technology is already there, almost there or nowhere near there...but this is a wonderful book about iRachel, a robot who comes to live with a family in their hour of need. A book about love, loss and acceptance, I was drawn in immediately and think the author did a great job with a very unique story line ! I can highly recommend it !
September 24, 2018
Well this book is certainly different to those I usually read – but in a very good way!. The After Wife is a really moving and often thought-provoking story about love, grief, loss and Artificial Intelligence! (Never thought I would put those words together in a review).
Rachel is a hard working, respected scientist who specialises in AI (Artificial Intelligence). She’s happily married to Aidan and has one teenage daughter Chloe. When Rachel dies suddenly and unexpectedly, she leaves behind her legacy in the form of a robot called iRachel.
It’s really hard not to talk about this book without giving away spoilers so I will just say that this book covers all the emotions involved in losing a loved one; grief, anger, shock, disbelief and gradual acceptance. Each character brings so much depth to the story line and my heart actually broke for the teenage Chloe. Her emotions and behaviour throughout the book were so raw and real that I just wanted to give her a hug and tell her everything will be OK.
If you like your love stories with a slight twist of technology, then you will love this book. This book really touched me and (gasp) I actually did shed a tear or two at the end. A really beautiful story about what it means to be human.
Rachel is a hard working, respected scientist who specialises in AI (Artificial Intelligence). She’s happily married to Aidan and has one teenage daughter Chloe. When Rachel dies suddenly and unexpectedly, she leaves behind her legacy in the form of a robot called iRachel.
It’s really hard not to talk about this book without giving away spoilers so I will just say that this book covers all the emotions involved in losing a loved one; grief, anger, shock, disbelief and gradual acceptance. Each character brings so much depth to the story line and my heart actually broke for the teenage Chloe. Her emotions and behaviour throughout the book were so raw and real that I just wanted to give her a hug and tell her everything will be OK.
If you like your love stories with a slight twist of technology, then you will love this book. This book really touched me and (gasp) I actually did shed a tear or two at the end. A really beautiful story about what it means to be human.
June 12, 2018
И аз съм Рейчъл, каза тя, и отиде да се включи в контакта: http://knigolandia.info/book-review/i...
Като фен на шедьовъра “Двестагодишният човек” на Айзък Азимов очакванията ми към Кас Хънтър и нейния роман бяха високи. Доста силиций е изтекъл от времето на Азимов и в “И аз съм Рейчъл” е вградено много повече от нашата реалност, която позволява да си представим тази една крачка напред, в която хуманоиден робот може да комуникира с хората, да разчита техните реакции и да показва (а вероятно и да изпитва) емоции. Наскоро четох някъде, че машина вече е минала теста на Тюринг, така че вероятно това време наистина не е толкова далеч. Но този роман не се спира на технологичната част – а на емоционалната. Хънтър романтизира отношенията човек-машина по начин, който заслужава внимание, защото ги поставя в няколко различни контекста едновременно.
ИК Кръгозор
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/i...
Като фен на шедьовъра “Двестагодишният човек” на Айзък Азимов очакванията ми към Кас Хънтър и нейния роман бяха високи. Доста силиций е изтекъл от времето на Азимов и в “И аз съм Рейчъл” е вградено много повече от нашата реалност, която позволява да си представим тази една крачка напред, в която хуманоиден робот може да комуникира с хората, да разчита техните реакции и да показва (а вероятно и да изпитва) емоции. Наскоро четох някъде, че машина вече е минала теста на Тюринг, така че вероятно това време наистина не е толкова далеч. Но този роман не се спира на технологичната част – а на емоционалната. Хънтър романтизира отношенията човек-машина по начин, който заслужава внимание, защото ги поставя в няколко различни контекста едновременно.
ИК Кръгозор
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/i...
September 15, 2020
Въпреки несъмнено големите проучвания, които трябва да се направят, за да звучи подобна книга достоверно, тя си е и донякъде клиширано романтично-фантастична. Не звучи като да има големи претенции за литературната си стойност и това ѝ е хубавото, тъй като е изключено да подразни някого (освен може би тези, които търсят твърда фантастика, но едва ли биха я намерили точно тук). Симпатична история, книга с въображение, добре обмислена и написана, разтоварваща. Ако на някой му се чете нестандартен романс, с прилежащите му задължителни елементи, но поставени в малко по-необикновена ситуация, с "мисъл за бъдещето", това е книгата.
October 6, 2018
5 MASSIVE stars
This is a compelling and poignant story about love, relationships, grief and what being human is all about.
Wonderfully written with characters you can't help but invest in, this book gently triggered every emotion in me, it's really hard to review this one without spoilers but trust me it's really original, incredibly touching and I would love to see this made into a film.
One that I will be recommending far and wide - Many thanks to NetGalley for opportunity to read this fabulous book, My honest thoughts and opinion are expressed in this review.
This is a compelling and poignant story about love, relationships, grief and what being human is all about.
Wonderfully written with characters you can't help but invest in, this book gently triggered every emotion in me, it's really hard to review this one without spoilers but trust me it's really original, incredibly touching and I would love to see this made into a film.
One that I will be recommending far and wide - Many thanks to NetGalley for opportunity to read this fabulous book, My honest thoughts and opinion are expressed in this review.
July 20, 2018
„И аз съм Рейчъл” е един уникален роман, който прочетох на един дъх. Роман, който ни учи, че във всеки един от нас има личност, която само чака удобния момент, за да се покаже пред света. Не е нужно да бъдем твърди и неп��еклонни в решенията си постоянно, за да се случи това, просто трябва да позволим на клишето „да се радваме на малките неща в живота” наистина да стане част от ежедневието ни.
https://thebooktigersdiary.wordpress....
https://thebooktigersdiary.wordpress....
June 22, 2018
Не усетих кога я прочетох. Прекрасна книга, пълна с емоции и човечност. Непредвидима и различна. Дали може един робот да се научи да чувства, да желае, да се чувства ценен, уязвим, обичан? Дали хората ще го приемат или отблъснат? И дали любовта му може да замени човешката? Една от най-интересните книги, които прочетох тази година!
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March 25, 2021Кас Хънтър - "И аз съм Рейчъл", изд. "Кръгозор" 2018, прев. Владимир Полеганов
Прочетох "И аз съм Рейчъл".
И за няколкото часа, изминали откакто затворих последната страница, поне три пъти сядам да пиша за нея. После спирам, изтривам написаното и започвам пак. Сега също не знам дали ще стигна по-далече от третия ред на този отзив.
Добре де, ще попитате, защо?
Какво защо? Защо изобщо преди три дни седнах да чета тази книга или защо не мога да се накарам да пиша за нея?
Отговорът на първия въпрос е по-лесен. Не съм и никога не съм била по/читател/ на фантастиката. Някак успях да мина голяма част от живота си, без да прочета кой знае какво в жанра - ако не броим по една книга от Артър Кларк и Хърбърт Уелс и две-три от Клифърд Саймък. Толкоз. Самата дума "фантастика" ми караше да бягам надалече. А пък ако се споменеше в съчетание с думите "робот" или "изкуствен интелект", ме обземаше почти ужас.
Пита се в задачата тогава, как така от всички книги посегнах точно към "И аз съм Рейчъл, след като в нея се говори и за роботи,у и за изкуствен интелект?
Не знам. Още не знам дори след като вече я прочетох - и харесах. Само знам, че в някакъв момент, след като прочетох резюмето на корицата, нещо в мен каза: "Тази книга я искам". И тя стана моя.
Може би ме привлече това, че макар в историята да е "замесен" робот, все пак огромната част от събитията се развива в ненаучна, обикновена домашна среда. Може би причината да си дам шанс с тази книга беше ролята, отредена на въпросния робот. Защото когато се каже "робот", автоматичната ни асоциация е с нещо изкуствено създадено, което може и да има безпогрешни реакции, но в тях няма "искра", няма душа, няма живот. А тук се срещаме със създание, което е "заредено" със спомени, с разбиране, със способност да помага на хора, нуждаещи се от помощ. Същество, създадено да помогне за преодоляването на болката от огромна загуба.
И тук стигам пак до онова, което споменах малко по-горе. Тази история не би била така въздействаща, ако нейното действие се развиваше в една изцяло "контролирана среда", в лаборатория, в която всичко може да бъде проследено и променено на момента. Въздействащото в историята е тъкмо общуването между Ай Рейчъл и онези, за чиято утеха е създадена. Защото малко по малко отношенията между нея и тях започват да се променят и все повече да напомнят истински семейни отношения. Много добре е предадено развитието на отношенията и мога да кажа, че и аз заедно с Клоуи преминах през цялата им гама - от отвращение през обикновено неприемане и страх до нещо, което поне за мен накрая беше много, много подобно на истинска привързаност.
Много ми хареса как е съчетана цялата история около Ай Рейчъл с всичко друго, случващо се с членовете на семейството. Особено тийнейджърските проблеми на Клоуи - аз от години чета истории, в които главните действащи лица са тийнейджъри, но мога да кажа, че за мен Клоуи е един от най-убедителните - и симпатични - тийнейджърски образи, на които съм попадала напоследък.
Докато четях всичко, свързано с Ай Рейчъл обаче, се замислих. Възможно ли е наистина създаването на такъв робот? И редно ли е? Дали "внедряването" на едно такова създание в семейство, сполетяно от загуба, намалява болката от тази загуба? Или напротив - засилва я още повече? И не е ли по-скоро плашещо, отколкото успокояващо, да виждаш как някой има всички външни белези на този, когото си изгубил, движи се като него, говори като него... но не е той? Или тя? И доколко е редно да изпълниш нечие съзнание - условно казано - с нечии чужди спомени? Не е ли по-скоро ужасяващо, отколкото утешително?
Въпреки всички тези неща - а кой знае, може би тъкмо поради тях - има нещо много топло и затрогващо в тази книга. Много обич има в нея. Обич, която търси при кого да отиде, след като онази, за която е била предназначена, вече я няма.
Имаше моменти, в които напрежението ми идваше в повече. Съчувствах на Ейдън и Клоуи, исках всичко да се развие по най-добрия за тях начин. И все повече заобичвах Ай Рейчъл.
Трудно прочетох последните страници преди епилога. До последното изречение се надявах да не стане това, което се задаваше. Само че това не е приказка и краят не беше щастлив.
Затова пък епилогът ме накара да се усмихна.
Защото все пак историята завърши обнадеждаващо.
Прочетох "И аз съм Рейчъл".
И за няколкото часа, изминали откакто затворих последната страница, поне три пъти сядам да пиша за нея. После спирам, изтривам написаното и започвам пак. Сега също не знам дали ще стигна по-далече от третия ред на този отзив.
Добре де, ще попитате, защо?
Какво защо? Защо изобщо преди три дни седнах да чета тази книга или защо не мога да се накарам да пиша за нея?
Отговорът на първия въпрос е по-лесен. Не съм и никога не съм била по/читател/ на фантастиката. Някак успях да мина голяма част от живота си, без да прочета кой знае какво в жанра - ако не броим по една книга от Артър Кларк и Хърбърт Уелс и две-три от Клифърд Саймък. Толкоз. Самата дума "фантастика" ми караше да бягам надалече. А пък ако се споменеше в съчетание с думите "робот" или "изкуствен интелект", ме обземаше почти ужас.
Пита се в задачата тогава, как така от всички книги посегнах точно към "И аз съм Рейчъл, след като в нея се говори и за роботи,у и за изкуствен интелект?
Не знам. Още не знам дори след като вече я прочетох - и харесах. Само знам, че в някакъв момент, след като прочетох резюмето на корицата, нещо в мен каза: "Тази книга я искам". И тя стана моя.
Може би ме привлече това, че макар в историята да е "замесен" робот, все пак огромната част от събитията се развива в ненаучна, обикновена домашна среда. Може би причината да си дам шанс с тази книга беше ролята, отредена на въпросния робот. Защото когато се каже "робот", автоматичната ни асоциация е с нещо изкуствено създадено, което може и да има безпогрешни реакции, но в тях няма "искра", няма душа, няма живот. А тук се срещаме със създание, което е "заредено" със спомени, с разбиране, със способност да помага на хора, нуждаещи се от помощ. Същество, създадено да помогне за преодоляването на болката от огромна загуба.
И тук стигам пак до онова, което споменах малко по-горе. Тази история не би била така въздействаща, ако нейното действие се развиваше в една изцяло "контролирана среда", в лаборатория, в която всичко може да бъде проследено и променено на момента. Въздействащото в историята е тъкмо общуването между Ай Рейчъл и онези, за чиято утеха е създадена. Защото малко по малко отношенията между нея и тях започват да се променят и все повече да напомнят истински семейни отношения. Много добре е предадено развитието на отношенията и мога да кажа, че и аз заедно с Клоуи преминах през цялата им гама - от отвращение през обикновено неприемане и страх до нещо, което поне за мен накрая беше много, много подобно на истинска привързаност.
Много ми хареса как е съчетана цялата история около Ай Рейчъл с всичко друго, случващо се с членовете на семейството. Особено тийнейджърските проблеми на Клоуи - аз от години чета истории, в които главните действащи лица са тийнейджъри, но мога да кажа, че за мен Клоуи е един от най-убедителните - и симпатични - тийнейджърски образи, на които съм попадала напоследък.
Докато четях всичко, свързано с Ай Рейчъл обаче, се замислих. Възможно ли е наистина създаването на такъв робот? И редно ли е? Дали "внедряването" на едно такова създание в семейство, сполетяно от загуба, намалява болката от тази загуба? Или напротив - засилва я още повече? И не е ли по-скоро плашещо, отколкото успокояващо, да виждаш как някой има всички външни белези на този, когото си изгубил, движи се като него, говори като него... но не е той? Или тя? И доколко е редно да изпълниш нечие съзнание - условно казано - с нечии чужди спомени? Не е ли по-скоро ужасяващо, отколкото утешително?
Въпреки всички тези неща - а кой знае, може би тъкмо поради тях - има нещо много топло и затрогващо в тази книга. Много обич има в нея. Обич, която търси при кого да отиде, след като онази, за която е била предназначена, вече я няма.
Имаше моменти, в които напрежението ми идваше в повече. Съчувствах на Ейдън и Клоуи, исках всичко да се развие по най-добрия за тях начин. И все повече заобичвах Ай Рейчъл.
Трудно прочетох последните страници преди епилога. До последното изречение се надявах да не стане това, което се задаваше. Само че това не е приказка и краят не беше щастлив.
Затова пък епилогът ме накара да се усмихна.
Защото все пак историята завърши обнадеждаващо.
April 25, 2018
This was definitely different from a lot of books I have read, but in a good way. Rachel and Aiden have a mostly perfect marriage although Rachel's dedication to her work sometimes gets in the way of family life. Rachel is a scientist at a company called Telos. There she works with her unlikeable lab partner, Luke. The story starts with them working on something together in the lab and she has to leave for her anniversary dinner, about 24 hours later Rachel is dead. The story is told from several perspectives, Rachel, Aiden and their teenage daughter Chloe and lesser by the lab partner Luke and Aiden's mother. Sinead.
Everyone is reeling from Rachel's sudden and unexpected death, as she is only 42, I think at the time. It is not until after her death that her family finds out exactly what she was working on at Telos. Luke, very reluctantly invites Aiden to their lab, saying his dead wife has a message for him. Aiden is just as reluctant at first to hear the message as he is trying to make sense of a Rachel-less world and be there for his daughter Chloe. Although what he finds is not what he expected, it might just be the thing to help the family heal and move on with life.
It is a very current subject with what is constantly reported in the news in this field of science and it's advances. I was reading an article about such things only yesterday. Sorry, I am not spelling it out as it would ruin the surprise of the story early on. However, it is the story of a family coming to terms with loss, rebuilding their lives and perceptions. Very enjoyable book..
Everyone is reeling from Rachel's sudden and unexpected death, as she is only 42, I think at the time. It is not until after her death that her family finds out exactly what she was working on at Telos. Luke, very reluctantly invites Aiden to their lab, saying his dead wife has a message for him. Aiden is just as reluctant at first to hear the message as he is trying to make sense of a Rachel-less world and be there for his daughter Chloe. Although what he finds is not what he expected, it might just be the thing to help the family heal and move on with life.
It is a very current subject with what is constantly reported in the news in this field of science and it's advances. I was reading an article about such things only yesterday. Sorry, I am not spelling it out as it would ruin the surprise of the story early on. However, it is the story of a family coming to terms with loss, rebuilding their lives and perceptions. Very enjoyable book..
November 29, 2018
Книгата “И аз съм Райчъл” е своеобразен експеримент, представен по такъв начин, че да направи от читателя всичко това, което той би отрекъл, ако просто някой му беше предложил идеята за любов между машина и човек. Авторът поставя читателя в ролята на мъж, загубил съпругата си, на майка, знаеща за предстоящата си смърт и подготвяща семейството си за това, без то да знае, слага ни в обувките на тийнейджърка, преживяваща загубата на майка си, в главата на възрастна жена с Алцхаймер, в сърцето на робот, изпитващ експлозии от нови усещания и емоции… Не на последно място в книгата присъства и цялата онази външна, и понякога враждебна, среда на страничните наблюдатели, които съдят безчувствено другите без капка емпатия.
Едно е ясно – книгата показва бъдещето, такова, каквото скоро ще живеем и емоциите, които ще бъдат насочвани към машини с възможности, надхвърлящи значително човешките. А защо не и изпитващи чувства към нас? И тогава не ние ще експериментираме с машините, а те ще експериментират с нас и с нашите чувства. И ако това сега ви плаши… прочетете книгата и ще разберете колко красиво може да бъде това бъдеще.
Едно е ясно – книгата показва бъдещето, такова, каквото скоро ще живеем и емоциите, които ще бъдат насочвани към машини с възможности, надхвърлящи значително човешките. А защо не и изпитващи чувства към нас? И тогава не ние ще експериментираме с машините, а те ще експериментират с нас и с нашите чувства. И ако това сега ви плаши… прочетете книгата и ще разберете колко красиво може да бъде това бъдеще.
July 12, 2019
4.5*
This story was more captivating and compelling than I anticipated. I was several times on the brim of tears.
The topic of empathic robots with the ability to learn patterns is really fascinating. How far will technology get, will it ever be an addition to care takers for disabled people or the ones suffering of dementia? It's something intriguing and intimidating at the same time...
This story was more captivating and compelling than I anticipated. I was several times on the brim of tears.
The topic of empathic robots with the ability to learn patterns is really fascinating. How far will technology get, will it ever be an addition to care takers for disabled people or the ones suffering of dementia? It's something intriguing and intimidating at the same time...
September 16, 2018
This is a rather unique book, unlike anything else I have read recently! Although I’ve seen a similar theme used in films such as AI, I’ve never actually come across it’s use in this genre before! But I’m always up for a challenge and was incredibly intrigued by the blurb so got stuck in straightaway!
A warning for the emotional among you that you may need tissues pretty much from the start of this. Rachel is living a perfect life with her husband and daughter until an accident takes her away from them. But Rachel had a little trick up her sleeve to provide comfort to her devastated family-the gift of iRachel. This cleverly designed artificial intelligence experiment has been a closely guarded secret by brilliant scientist Rachel and she is about to use all the information left to her to comfort the two people that Rachel loved the most.
It was incredibly easy to become involved in the lives of those that Rachel had left behind. Seeing the effects of Rachel’s loss from multiple points of view I was able to see how they coped with their bereavement, each needing different things from iRachel. I connected more with Chloe as I felt her loss the most due to her age. Teenage girls always think they don’t need their mums anymore but it’s probably the time they need them the most-teenage girls can be vicious!! Chloe’s relationship with her peers started to unravel at a time she really needed the support of her mother. Would iRachel be able to support Chloe as a real mother would? Would it be easier if she had all the empathy of a true parent or not?
This is quite an emotional storyline despite the rather unusual scientific plot. I found myself holding my breath, unable to contemplate how the author would bring everything to a satisfactory conclusion i.e. One that I was happy with!!! iRachel was a wonderful character and I wanted her to become “a real person” with real feelings and emotions so she could experience life to the fullest potential and not be restricted by her own capabilities.
The After Wife was a heartbreaking tale of loss, acceptance and finding the courage to move forward and to keep on living. If I had one tiny little quibble about the plot, I have to say that I would have found the creation of iRachels personality and endeavour would have had more meaning and a greater significance if Rachel had definitely known she was going to die so young instead of the way she actually died. Just a minor point but I felt it would have made her programming of iRachel more pertinent. But this didn’t detract from this wonderful exploration of what it is to be alive and that although we have our differences, we share a common humanity that is hard to ignore.
A lovely book that means I will look out for more by this author in the future.
A warning for the emotional among you that you may need tissues pretty much from the start of this. Rachel is living a perfect life with her husband and daughter until an accident takes her away from them. But Rachel had a little trick up her sleeve to provide comfort to her devastated family-the gift of iRachel. This cleverly designed artificial intelligence experiment has been a closely guarded secret by brilliant scientist Rachel and she is about to use all the information left to her to comfort the two people that Rachel loved the most.
It was incredibly easy to become involved in the lives of those that Rachel had left behind. Seeing the effects of Rachel’s loss from multiple points of view I was able to see how they coped with their bereavement, each needing different things from iRachel. I connected more with Chloe as I felt her loss the most due to her age. Teenage girls always think they don’t need their mums anymore but it’s probably the time they need them the most-teenage girls can be vicious!! Chloe’s relationship with her peers started to unravel at a time she really needed the support of her mother. Would iRachel be able to support Chloe as a real mother would? Would it be easier if she had all the empathy of a true parent or not?
This is quite an emotional storyline despite the rather unusual scientific plot. I found myself holding my breath, unable to contemplate how the author would bring everything to a satisfactory conclusion i.e. One that I was happy with!!! iRachel was a wonderful character and I wanted her to become “a real person” with real feelings and emotions so she could experience life to the fullest potential and not be restricted by her own capabilities.
The After Wife was a heartbreaking tale of loss, acceptance and finding the courage to move forward and to keep on living. If I had one tiny little quibble about the plot, I have to say that I would have found the creation of iRachels personality and endeavour would have had more meaning and a greater significance if Rachel had definitely known she was going to die so young instead of the way she actually died. Just a minor point but I felt it would have made her programming of iRachel more pertinent. But this didn’t detract from this wonderful exploration of what it is to be alive and that although we have our differences, we share a common humanity that is hard to ignore.
A lovely book that means I will look out for more by this author in the future.
September 5, 2018
THE AFTER WIFE by Cass Hunter is a powerful and impressive story that really took me by surprise and made me quite emotional.
Rachel and Aidan have a marriage based on a deep and everlasting love. While Rachel is a high-powered, extremely intelligent scientist, Aidan is content to work in a more relaxed setting while taking care of their fifteen-year-old daughter, Chloe. But when Rachel dies very suddenly, Aidan and Chloe are lost and miss her more than words can say while feeling every possible emotion under the sun as they grieve. But Rachel was nothing if not organised and has left them something to ease their way over the next few months, in the shape of iRachel, a special robot that looks, talks, and interacts like Rachel with Rachel's memories programmed into its core. But iRachel is more than just a robot and as she develops alongside this family, everything becomes heightened for everyone involved, and then there are those who would take iRachel away if they knew she existed ...
THE AFTER WIFE by Cass Hunter portrays the grief and shock surrounding sudden loss excellently throughout and I really felt for Chloe in particular who missed her mum so much while also feeling angry and upset that their relationship wasn't as easy and comfortable as she would have wished for. While Aidan and Chloe struggle initially with iRachel, it isn't long before they find some peace from it, and then as the story continues iRachel became a person and character in her own right to me, and my heart broke for her as she became aware of her own limitations and restrictions.
THE AFTER WIFE by Cass Hunter is a unique and enthralling story that makes you question life and whether we are living it to the fullest with those that we love, and while technology is obviously amazing in so many ways it makes you question, is there a point where we, as a society, can go too far?
This novel is a gripping read and I highly recommend it to fiction fans everywhere.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book via the tour organiser
Rachel and Aidan have a marriage based on a deep and everlasting love. While Rachel is a high-powered, extremely intelligent scientist, Aidan is content to work in a more relaxed setting while taking care of their fifteen-year-old daughter, Chloe. But when Rachel dies very suddenly, Aidan and Chloe are lost and miss her more than words can say while feeling every possible emotion under the sun as they grieve. But Rachel was nothing if not organised and has left them something to ease their way over the next few months, in the shape of iRachel, a special robot that looks, talks, and interacts like Rachel with Rachel's memories programmed into its core. But iRachel is more than just a robot and as she develops alongside this family, everything becomes heightened for everyone involved, and then there are those who would take iRachel away if they knew she existed ...
THE AFTER WIFE by Cass Hunter portrays the grief and shock surrounding sudden loss excellently throughout and I really felt for Chloe in particular who missed her mum so much while also feeling angry and upset that their relationship wasn't as easy and comfortable as she would have wished for. While Aidan and Chloe struggle initially with iRachel, it isn't long before they find some peace from it, and then as the story continues iRachel became a person and character in her own right to me, and my heart broke for her as she became aware of her own limitations and restrictions.
THE AFTER WIFE by Cass Hunter is a unique and enthralling story that makes you question life and whether we are living it to the fullest with those that we love, and while technology is obviously amazing in so many ways it makes you question, is there a point where we, as a society, can go too far?
This novel is a gripping read and I highly recommend it to fiction fans everywhere.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book via the tour organiser
July 8, 2018
The After Wife has an intriguing, if not especially plausible, premise. AI expert Rachel (who is also a loving wife to Aidan and mother to fifteen year old Chloe) has been carrying out groundbreaking work with her colleague Luke. They have developed a prototype empathetic humanoid android: a robot, based - probably more for convenience than vanity - on Rachel herself, and named - of course - “iRachel”.
When Rachel dies suddenly of a brain aneurysm only she knew she had, she leaves instructions in order that her work can continue. Rachel’s wish is that Aidan and Chloe take iRachel into their home, so the robot can continue learning outside the confines of the lab. Naturally this has all sorts of repercussions, emotional and practical.
It took a while for me to get into the story, but once iRachel moves into the house, things really picked up and I was riveted from then on. The story is well told and frequently unpredictable - I rarely guessed where it was going and indeed was led down the garden path a few times...
Despite the AI element, this is rather more domestic drama than science fiction, as Aidan and Chloe deal with the loss of Rachel, and I suspect the majority of readers will not be SF diehards. However there are issues addressed here regarding the sentience, autonomy and social treatment of robots which SF has frequently grappled with. Personhood is a major theme, both in the AI aspect and in a moving portrayal, via one character, of the loss of self which comes with dementia.
Excellent read which I really enjoyed.
When Rachel dies suddenly of a brain aneurysm only she knew she had, she leaves instructions in order that her work can continue. Rachel’s wish is that Aidan and Chloe take iRachel into their home, so the robot can continue learning outside the confines of the lab. Naturally this has all sorts of repercussions, emotional and practical.
It took a while for me to get into the story, but once iRachel moves into the house, things really picked up and I was riveted from then on. The story is well told and frequently unpredictable - I rarely guessed where it was going and indeed was led down the garden path a few times...
Despite the AI element, this is rather more domestic drama than science fiction, as Aidan and Chloe deal with the loss of Rachel, and I suspect the majority of readers will not be SF diehards. However there are issues addressed here regarding the sentience, autonomy and social treatment of robots which SF has frequently grappled with. Personhood is a major theme, both in the AI aspect and in a moving portrayal, via one character, of the loss of self which comes with dementia.
Excellent read which I really enjoyed.
July 27, 2019
I am a bit on the fence with this book. I struggled with my expectations on this one, I had high ones ( so much so, that I bought this book), and that led to some disappointments for me.
I thought I might feel more emotionally involved in this story, but I found myself not feeling very attached to any of the characters, and though it is described as sci-fi, it seemed more Harlequin Romance Sci-Fi.
I also expected more laughable moments, especially having a robot living with a family who has lost their wife and mother. It just ended up being a bit too stiff for me and lacking in the emotional dept.
Others have given this book very high ratings, and I am somewhere in the middle, it was good, but I struggled with being interested after awhile. I wish I felt as some other readers do, I wanted to, sadly, it just did not leave a lasting impact on me.
I am always willing to give an author another chance, and so I hope her next book will keep me more riveted.
3 stars.
I thought I might feel more emotionally involved in this story, but I found myself not feeling very attached to any of the characters, and though it is described as sci-fi, it seemed more Harlequin Romance Sci-Fi.
I also expected more laughable moments, especially having a robot living with a family who has lost their wife and mother. It just ended up being a bit too stiff for me and lacking in the emotional dept.
Others have given this book very high ratings, and I am somewhere in the middle, it was good, but I struggled with being interested after awhile. I wish I felt as some other readers do, I wanted to, sadly, it just did not leave a lasting impact on me.
I am always willing to give an author another chance, and so I hope her next book will keep me more riveted.
3 stars.
March 17, 2019
Една от най-емоционалните книги, които съм чела до момента. Грабва те от първата страница и не те оставя да си поемеш дъх до края. И макар действието да се върти около напредъка на технологиите, изкуствен интелект и т.н , книгата е разтърсваща. Никой и нищо не може да замени човек, който сме обичали и изгубили. Темите, засегнати в романа, са толкова много, че няма как да бъдат събрани в няколко изречение. Книгата си заслужава да се прочете.
June 26, 2018
Original, will make you think, inovative, moving and a book to read in one single sitting. So clear your diary before you start this book. It is funny, romantic and extremely moving. Make sure you have the tissues at the ready.
December 28, 2023
Тази книга я имам от поне 3 години... Но както често става - сега ме намери и то в най-подходящия момент 🧡 Хареса ми.... Наистина ми хареса!
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