Helen Phillips: Crafting Speculative Narratives Amidst the Rise of Artificial Intelligence

In her interview with Helen Phillips, Jane Ciabattari explores the themes, inspirations, and societal implications behind Phillips’ latest novel, Hum. The narrative introduces May Webb, who encounters AI-based robots known as “hums” that have begun to render numerous jobs obsolete, including May’s own. Facing the erosion of her identity in a world increasingly dominated by technology, she undergoes a radical facial surgery to escape surveillance, a plot that resonates deeply in our contemporary context. Phillips reflects on how the pandemic heightened the emotional stakes of her narrative, threading together anxieties surrounding artificial intelligence, climate change, and parental responsibilities. The author elaborates on the dual meaning of “hum,” which evokes both the mechanical sounds of technology and the comforting notes of a lullaby, enriching her characterization of the enigmatic hums. Ciabattari’s probing questions reveal Phillips’ nuanced consideration of the ethical dilemmas posed by advancements in AI and surveillance, mirroring real-world concerns about privacy and human obsolescence. As the conversation unfolds, Phillips offers insights into her creative process, noting the specific research that shaped the novel’s themes. In a poignant exploration of human connection to nature and the risks of technological overreach, Hum serves as both a warning and a reflection on our current trajectory. Readers are invited to contemplate the complexities of existence in a world where nature is threatened and humanity’s relationship with technology is fraught.

This article can be found at https://lithub.com/helen-phillips-on-writing-speculative-fiction-in-the-age-of-artificial-intelligence/, which serves as the source for this summary.

In my view, Ciabattari presents a masterclass in literary interview technique, weaving together profound questions with thoughtful nuances that allow Phillips to articulate her vision and concerns about the future of humanity in the face of technological advances. The insights that emerge from their dialogue not only illuminate the pivotal themes of Hum but also serve as a broader commentary on the implications of art in an era dominated by artificial intelligence. Ciabattari’s ability to engage with the complexities of her subject while fostering a genuine dialogue speaks to her skill as a literary journalist and her deep understanding of contemporary issues facing writers and readers alike.

Helen Phillips deserves commendation for her bold exploration of complex themes in Hum, effortlessly balancing the weight of her subject matter with a captivating narrative that invites readers into an unsettling yet familiar world. Through her innovative storytelling, Phillips illuminates critical issues around identity, technology, and the human experience, establishing her unique voice in the realm of speculative fiction.