In the Lives of Puppets

In the Lives of Puppets reimagines Pinocchio in a post-apocalyptic world where a human named Victor lives deep in the forest with his found family of robots. His father figure Giovanni, a medical android named Nurse Ratched, and a vacuum robot called the Whirly are his only companions in their isolated existence. When Victor discovers long-buried secrets about his father's past, he embarks on a quest through dangerous territory. The journey forces him to confront both mechanical and human threats while searching for answers about his own identity and origins. His robot family members accompany him as he traverses a landscape filled with the remnants of an ancient war between humans and artificial intelligence. The bonds between Victor and his unusual family are tested as they face increasingly difficult choices and revelations. At its core, this novel explores what it means to be human and questions the nature of consciousness, family, and love. The story reflects on humanity's relationship with technology while emphasizing the power of chosen families and unconditional acceptance.

Readers describe the book as an emotional reimagining of Pinocchio with themes of found family and artificial intelligence. Many readers connect deeply with the android character Giovanni and his relationship with Victor. Liked: - Strong character development and relationships - Balance of humor and heartfelt moments - LGBTQ+ representation that feels natural - Unique sci-fi elements and world-building Disliked: - Slower pacing in the middle sections - Some found the dialogue repetitive - Several readers note it's not as strong as Klune's other works - A few felt the ending was rushed Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (11,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (2,300+ ratings) StoryGraph: 4.27/5 "The found family dynamics made me cry multiple times" - Goodreads reviewer "The middle drags but the emotional payoff is worth it" - Amazon review "Not as impactful as House in the Cerulean Sea, but still enjoyable" - StoryGraph user

Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi The original tale of a mechanical being seeking humanity presents themes of family bonds and self-discovery in a darker narrative than its adaptations.

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro An artificial friend observes human nature while exploring consciousness, love, and what defines personhood.

All Systems Red by Martha Wells A security robot gains independence and forms connections with humans while questioning its place in society.

A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers An artificial intelligence inhabits a human body and builds relationships while learning to navigate embodied existence.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune A found family forms among magical beings who exist outside conventional humanity, creating bonds that transcend their origins.

🤖 This novel is a futuristic reimagining of Carlo Collodi's "The Adventures of Pinocchio," but with a reverse perspective where the android child searches for his human "father." 🌟 Author TJ Klune wrote this book as part of his ongoing mission to create positive queer representation in speculative fiction, incorporating themes of found family and self-discovery. 📚 The character of Giovanni's robot companions—Nurse Ratched and Rambo—are named after iconic characters from "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and the Sylvester Stallone action films, respectively. 🏳️‍🌈 The book explores the complex relationship between artificial and organic life in a way that parallels real-world discussions about identity and acceptance in the LGBTQ+ community. 🌳 The story's setting in a secluded forest home reflects the author's own upbringing in rural Alaska, where isolation and the power of nature were constant companions.