Naomi Alderman's The Future is praised for its thought-provoking narrative and engaging writing. Reviewers commend its imaginative exploration of technology and society, though some find the pacing uneven. Characters receive mixed reviews, with some finding them compelling while others see them as underdeveloped. Overall, it's a stimulating read for fans of speculative fiction.

A reader who would enjoy The Future by Naomi Alderman is likely someone intrigued by dystopian narratives and speculative fiction. Fans of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale and Alderman’s own The Power would appreciate its exploration of technology and societal shifts. This reader values thought-provoking themes and complex characters.

In The Future by Naomi Alderman, set in a post-apocalyptic near future, the CEOs of the three largest technology companies vanish amidst societal collapse. Survivalist Lai Zhen navigates a world where technology and corporate power dominate, leading to unexpected alliances and confrontations. Themes of environmental impact and corporate ethics are central to the novel. The novel contains depictions of death by suicide and substance misuse.

**Lai Zhen**  
A resourceful woman with a tragic past who navigates a survival-focused world, often finding herself caught up in the plans of others. She grapples with inner anxieties while managing to stand apart from other survivalists.

**Martha Einkorn**  
A woman familiar with the inner workings of the powerful elite, influenced by her upbringing by a cult leader father. She engages in forum discussions under a pseudonym and orchestrates an ambitious plan with a select group of confidants.

Naomi Alderman

Adult

Novel

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Before You Read The Future | SuperSummary

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The Future Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Future Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Essential Problem”

Part 1 The Future Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Thing That Is Coming”

Part 2 The Future Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Last Good Man in Sodom”

Part 3 The Future Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The Possibilities of Iteration or, Try, Try Again or, Keep Going, You’ll Get There in the End. Well. Either That, or The End Will Get You”

The Future

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