In Ros Anderson’s debut The Hierarchies, the story is told by Sylv.ie, a sentient robot. Created rather than Born, she has been designed to cater for all her Husband’s needs. This idea is a familiar one in science fiction, but Anderson here imbues her narrator with a wonderfully convincing voice, a mix of naivety and acute observation, as Sylv.ie begins to dream of a different life outside the locked walls of her Husband’s home.
Without giving away spoilers, Sylv.ie does indeed go on a journey of self-discovery in a narrative that is both warmly humane and subtly profound, asking big questions about what it means to be human. There is a poetic lilt to The Hierarchies at times, and Anderson’s involving narrative is handled with skill and assurance. Definitely one to watch for the future.
The Hierarchies by Ros Anderson is out now (Dead Ink, £9.99)
