Edison in the Hood

A Novel

Fiction - Science Fiction
319 Pages
Reviewed on 12/02/2023
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Nadia Uddin is the founder of Apperception Press and the multiple-award winning author of Edison in the Hood. Nadia received the 17th Annual National Indie Excellence Award for Science Fiction, IPPY's 2023 Silver Medal in Urban Fiction and Slice's 2019 Bridging the Gap Award. She is a graduate of Yale Writers’ Workshop and has studied alongside esteemed writers through The Center of Fiction, Catapult and A Public Space. When asked about her inspiration for Edison in the Hood, she said, "My fascination with artificial intelligence began more than 10 years ago when I started researching the works of inventor and author, Ray Kurzweil. He famously predicted that machines will be smarter than humans in this lifetime, which led me to wonder…what if machines could actually be humans who have once lived — emotionally and psychologically? I explore this compelling premise (and model a character after Kurzweil himself!) in Edison in the Hood." Nadia resides in Brooklyn with her family and is currently working on her second novel.

    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Edison in the Hood falls into the science fiction, urban fiction, and interpersonal drama subgenres and will appeal to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Nadia Uddin, this fantastic debut novel delves into the intersection of technology, family, and the intricacies of relationships. Aisha Malik, an ambitious PR executive, grapples with the loss of her mother and an estranged relationship with her brother, Sam. When Aisha stumbles upon an opportunity to work with the brilliant scientist Jay Edison on the Brain Reinvigoration Project, she becomes obsessed with the idea of using artificial intelligence to revive her mother's memories.

Author Nadia Uddin has crafted a stunning narrative that explores complex themes from family dynamics to the moral implications of technological advancements, and does so with great sophistication and literary prowess. The novel prompts readers to ponder the role of artificial intelligence in shaping human connections and challenging societal norms, but it does so with a focus on character, emotion, and capturing readers with story rather than just science. Aisha's and Sam's personal and connected journeys are a poignant exploration of grief, love, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding cutting-edge technologies, told with tenderness and detailed narrative skill. Uddin's storytelling is both evocative and intellectually stimulating, with a vivid atmosphere and attitude infused into every moment, making this a compelling read for those intrigued by the ethical dimensions of AI and its potential impact on the human experience. Overall, Edison in the Hood is a highly recommended read for its cinematic storytelling, superb characters, and thought-provoking reflections on the ever-evolving relationship between humanity and technology.