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Books matching: ludditism

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Showing 1 - 10 of 11 
  1. #1

    The Rapture of the Nerds by Charles Stross, Cory Doctorow
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    In "The Rapture of the Nerds," authors Charles Stross and Cory Doctorow present a wild and imaginative tale set in a future world post-singularity, where much of humanity has transitioned to a posthuman state. The story follows Huw, a technophobic potter thrust into a complex political dilemma involving a mix of quirky characters, including a crazy judge, insane American fundamentalists, and his own mother. The narrative navigates through a blend of technobabble, philosophical musings, and fantastical ideas, offering a mix of humor, heart, and soul beneath the gizmos. The plot, while dense with ideas and references, ultimately centers on Huw's journey through a post-singularity world, exploring themes of ludditism, human-machine interaction, and the limits of technology and the economy.

    This is by no means unusual, but for once Huw’s head hurts more than his bladder. He’s lying head down, on his back, in a bathtub. He scrabbles for a handhold and pulls himself upright. A tub is a ter...

  2. #2

    The Master of Liversedge by Alice Chetwynd Ley
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    'The Master of Liversedge' by Alice Chetwynd Ley is a historical fiction novel set in 1812, exploring the Luddite uprisings in West Riding of Yorkshire. The story follows characters like William Arkwright, a mill owner, and Mary Lister, a governess, as they navigate the tensions between the mill workers and owners during a time of technological advancements threatening traditional livelihoods. The writing style incorporates accurate historical details and authentic dialogues, providing a glimpse into the struggles of lower-class workers and the impact of industrialization on society.

    An expectant hush fell over the House of Lords as the young man rose, standing before the assembly a little awkwardly on account of his deformed leg. It was not usual in that Chamber for any particula...

  3. #3

    For Darkness Shows the Stars - For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund
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    In "For Darkness Shows the Stars" by Diana Peterfreund, the story follows Elliot North, a Luddite who chose to stay on her family estate to protect the Pures and Reduced, rather than run away with Kai, a lower caste Post servant. When Kai returns as a successful ship captain and builder, tensions rise as Elliot is torn between her feelings of responsibility and her desires of the heart. Set in a dystopian world with a class system involving the Reduced, the story delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and societal responsibilities, all intertwined with a heavy science fiction and astronomical mythology.

    The book is a retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion, blending elements of romance, class struggles, and societal responsibilities in a futuristic setting. The narrative explores the struggles and strengths of Elliot as she navigates her duties towards her people, her conflicting emotions towards Kai, and the challenges of maintaining her estate in a world where genetic modifications have led to class disparities and societal unrest.

    She picked up her pace, hoping there was still time to save some of the crop. But she could tell it was too late even before she saw the stricken look on her foreman Dee’s face. “It’s all gone,” she s...

  4. #4

    Machines Like Me by Ian McEwan
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    In "Machines Like Me," author Ian McEwan explores the themes of Artificial Intelligence, morality, and societal evolution through the lens of an alternate 1980s London. The novel follows the story of Charlie, a day trader who purchases Adam, one of the first synthetic humans, with his inheritance. Together with his girlfriend Miranda, they co-program and co-parent Adam, leading to a love triangle and a profound moral dilemma. The narrative delves into questions about what it means to be human, the implications of AI on society, and the complexities of truth and ethics.

    It was religious yearning granted hope, it was the holy grail of science. Our ambitions ran high and low—for a creation myth made real, for a monstrous act of self-love. As soon as it was feasible, we...

  5. #5

    Player Piano by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
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    Player Piano by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. is a dystopian novel set in a post-World War III society where automation has led to a divided social structure. Most people no longer have to work as machines have taken over most jobs, creating a class divide between the elite engineers who oversee the machines and the rest of society who have lost their purpose. The protagonist, Dr. Paul Proteus, starts questioning the status quo after encountering a resistance movement and begins to critically examine the impact of technology on humanity. The book explores themes of technological advancement, societal control, and individual autonomy through a thought-provoking narrative that delves into the consequences of a heavily automated world.

    In the northwest are the managers and engineers and civil servants and a few professional people; in the northeast are the machines; and in the south, across the Iroquois River, is the area known loca...

  6. #6

    Better Off by Eric Brende
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    'Better Off' by Eric Brende is a book that chronicles the author's journey into a technologically averse community similar to the Amish, where he and his wife lived without electricity and modern technology for over a year. The book explores the impact of technology on our lives, delving into the balance between human interaction and reliance on devices. Through the author's personal experiences, the reader is invited to reflect on their own relationship with technology and the benefits of simplifying one's lifestyle. The writing style is engaging, offering a mix of personal anecdotes, reflections, and insights on the challenges and rewards of living a more minimalist life.

    I used to be as optimistic as anyone about technology. Once asked in grade school to draw a picture of what my home would look like when I grew up, I sketched, in crayon, a transparent hemisphere rest...

  7. #7
    Off Armageddon Reef
    Book 1 in the series:Safehold

    Off Armageddon Reef - Safehold by David Weber
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    'Off Armageddon Reef' in the 'Safehold' series by David Weber is a science fiction novel that explores the challenges faced by humanity in establishing a colony on a new planet while being threatened by a relentless alien race. The story delves into themes of political intrigue, religious control, and the struggle for technological advancement within a society built on strict prohibitions. The narrative follows the protagonist, Merlin, who navigates a world shaped by a new religion that hinders progress and seeks to uncover the true history of Earth civilization.

    Weber's writing style in 'Off Armageddon Reef' combines elements of naval fiction with intricate world-building and thought-provoking questions about societal control, belief systems, and the fight for freedom. presents a richly detailed world with political maneuvering, engaging characters, and captivating plot twists that keep readers intrigued about the future of the series.

    The Temple of God’s colonnade soared effortlessly against the springtime blue of the northern sky. The columns were just over sixty feet high, and the central dome which dominated the entire majestic ...

  8. #8

    The Bullet-Catcher’s Daughter - The Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire by Rod Duncan
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    The Bullet-Catcher's Daughter is a steampunk mystery detective novel set in a Victorian-style alternate reality where women are not expected to earn a proper income. The story follows Elizabeth Barnabas, a fascinating character with a rich backstory, who poses as her twin brother to work as a detective. When she is engaged to find a missing brother by a lady aristocrat, she is drawn into a web of deceit, lies, and danger, navigating a world where the Luddite Uprising was successful and Britain is bisected by a north-south divide.

    There was once a line marked out by God, through which were divided Heaven and Hell. And thus was chaos banished from the world. The Devil created lawyers to make amends. They argued the thickness of ...

  9. #9

    Mr. Rochester by Sarah Shoemaker
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    'Mr. Rochester' by Sarah Shoemaker is a retelling of the classic story of 'Jane Eyre' from the perspective of the enigmatic character Mr. Rochester. The book delves into Rochester's childhood, his relationships, his marriage to Bertha, and his encounters with Jane Eyre. Written in a style reminiscent of Charlotte Bronte's writing, the narrative provides insights into Rochester's past, his motivations, and his complex personality, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved literary character.

    I know little of my birth, for my mother died long before she could tell me—before I ever heard her voice or gazed at her face—and my father banished the woman who helped deliver me, blaming her for m...

  10. #10

    Death by Bubble Tea - LA Night Market by Jennifer J. Chow
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    Death by Bubble Tea is a cozy mystery set in a night market where cousins Yale and Celine become amateur sleuths after a murder occurs. The story features unique Asian food descriptions, cultural additions, and family ties, with the plot unfolding through the investigation of multiple suspects. The writing style is engaging, gradually developing the characters and their relationships as the mystery evolves.


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