Luminous by Silvia Park
A sweeping debut novel of family, memory, and artificial intelligence.
Set in a near-future unified Korea, this powerful story follows three estranged siblings as they collide during a high-stakes murder investigation. Two are human and one is a robot, yet all three must confront their shattered childhood and settle old scores against a backdrop of societal change.
The Story: In a world where the sun beats down on junkyards filled with abandoned robots, eleven-year-old Ruijie sifts through the scraps to find parts for her own failing body. There, she discovers something impossible: a robot boy so lifelike it defies everything she knows.
Meanwhile, siblings Jun and Morgan are forced back together after years of silence. Their shared trauma centers on their brother Yoyo, an early prototype humanoid robot designed by their father. Yoyo disappeared suddenly years ago, leaving behind nothing but memories of his strange, near-human warmth. As the investigation unfolds, the truth about Yoyo's disappearance and their father's legacy threatens to rewrite their history.
Why You Should Read This:
- Original Near-Future Setting: A rare and vivid look at a reunified Korea and the technological consequences of a new era.
- Gripping Mystery: A complex murder investigation that serves as a catalyst for a deep family drama.
- Provocative Themes: Explores the nature of the soul, the ethics of humanoid robotics, and what it truly means to be a family.
- For Fans of Literary Sci-Fi: Perfect for readers who enjoyed Never Let Me Go or Klara and the Sun.
A stunning exploration of power and the potential for love to bridge the gap between human and machine.