Little Eyes

Little Eyes follows multiple storylines across the globe, connected by a new technological device called a "kentuki." These small robotic pets contain cameras and can be remotely controlled by anonymous users who purchase connection rights. The narrative alternates between kentuki "keepers" who house the devices in their homes and "dwellers" who operate them from distant locations. Through these interactions, strangers form unusual bonds and relationships mediated by the technology. The characters navigate issues of surveillance, intimacy, and control as their kentuki connections evolve. Parents, children, artists, and retirees all encounter different aspects of this phenomenon that blurs traditional boundaries between public and private life. The novel examines how technology reshapes human connection and raises questions about voyeurism, trust, and authentic relationships in an interconnected world. Its structure mirrors the fragmentary nature of digital interactions while exploring their impact on society.

Readers describe Little Eyes as an unsettling exploration of technology and voyeurism. Many found the interconnected stories compelling and relevant to modern surveillance culture. The book's examination of human nature through the "kentuki" devices resonated with readers who saw parallels to social media and digital relationships. Likes: - Clean, precise writing style - Thought-provoking commentary on privacy - Multiple perspectives across different countries - Character interactions that feel authentic Dislikes: - Loose narrative threads left unresolved - Some stories more engaging than others - Character development limited by story structure - Ending felt abrupt to many readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (12,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.0/5 (1,000+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (300+ ratings) "The concept is brilliant but the execution left me wanting more closure," noted one Goodreads reviewer. Another on Amazon wrote: "Each story hits differently, making you question your own relationship with technology."

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🔹 Originally published in Spanish as "Kentukis," the novel explores surveillance culture through cute robotic pets that allow strangers to observe their owners' daily lives. 🔹 Author Samanta Schweblin wrote this book while living in Berlin, though she's originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she began her literary career. 🔹 The kentukis in the book come in various animal forms (pandas, crows, rabbits, etc.) and create connections between people across continents, from Hong Kong to Sierra Leone to Sweden. 🔹 The novel was shortlisted for the 2020 International Booker Prize, with Megan McDowell's English translation praised for capturing the unsettling tone of the original Spanish text. 🔹 Schweblin drew inspiration for the book from real-world technologies like smart home devices and social media, exploring how they blur the lines between connection and invasion of privacy.