The Laughing Robot - Ross Julia

In a near-future world where robots are becoming increasingly prevalent, recently widowed social worker Anna grapples with grief, betrayal, and an uncertain future. As she explores the potential of AI and robotics to revolutionize eldercare, Anna's personal life is upended when her late husband's will reveals shocking secrets.

Seeking a fresh start, Anna impulsively purchases a run-down cottage on the Isle of Wight, hoping to build a new life of independence and purpose. But with family tensions rising, strange events unfolding on the island, and her own mental health called into question, Anna soon realizes that escaping her past won't be so simple.

As Anna navigates the challenges of her new life, she finds herself drawn into an experimental robot companionship program. When the enigmatic 'Henry', and later his more advanced successor 'Henry2', come to stay with her, Anna must confront her growing dependence on technology, her fears about aging and autonomy, and the very nature of what it means to be human.

With her son Stanley's investment in the burgeoning robot industry and the mysterious 'Sunset Clause' looming over her, Anna increasingly questions who she can trust. Caught between the pull of the island's rugged natural beauty and the push of invasive technology, Anna struggles to maintain her sense of self in a world that seems to be leaving her behind.

The arrival of the powerful Professor Sir John Westerby and his Citizen UK charity on the island raises the stakes. As Anna witnesses the tragic consequences of the battle for control over the lives of the elderly, she must decide what risks she is willing to take to protect those she loves.

When the government announces a radical plan to transform the Isle of Wight into 'Home Farm' - a designated haven for the elderly complete with mandatory robot caregivers - Anna and her fellow 'guinea pigs' from the robot companionship program find themselves at the center of a national debate. Faced with an uncertain future and a society increasingly willing to discard its elders, Anna must navigate a treacherous web of political and corporate interests while fighting to maintain her dignity, autonomy and sense of self.

As the situation on the island spirals out of control and dark secrets come to light, Anna realizes the true scope of the forces aligned against her. With 'Home Farm' in lockdown, her health failing, and her loved ones out of reach, Anna faces the ultimate test of resilience. In a thrilling climax, she must rally her strength and ingenuity for a daring escape - aided by unlikely allies both human and machine.

Thought-provoking and poignant, The Laughing Robot is a story of one woman's journey through loss, disillusionment, and renewal in an age where the lines between human and machine are blurring. Julia Ross weaves an immersive near-future tale that explores the social impacts of emerging technologies while capturing the enduring human needs for connection, purpose, and hope in the face of change. Fans of literary sci-fi and emotionally engaging women's fiction will find a moving, compelling story that raises profound questions about the future of aging, family, and our relationship with technology.