Paul Tremblay's New Novel Grapples with AI and Class
Horror writer Paul Tremblay's new novel, 'Dead But Dreaming Of Electric Sheep,' centers on Julia Flang, a semi-professional gamer who chaperones a dead man with AI technology in his head across the country. Tremblay was inspired by Mary Roach's 'Stiff' and Christof Koch's 'The Feeling of Life Itself,' which argues computers can never be conscious. The novel explores AI's intersection with class, as Tremblay, son of a factory worker, questions moral complicity in a system where characters lack agency. Tremblay also addresses the publishing industry's struggle with AI, noting that major publishers have pulled novels over AI-use allegations. The book's title nods to Philip K. Dick's 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep.' Tremblay finds the idea of eternity deeply frightening.
Key facts
- Paul Tremblay's new novel is titled 'Dead But Dreaming Of Electric Sheep'.
- The protagonist is Julia Flang, a semi-professional gamer.
- The plot involves chaperoning a dead man with AI technology implanted in his head.
- Tremblay was inspired by Mary Roach's 'Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers'.
- Christof Koch's book 'The Feeling of Life Itself' influenced the novel's view on consciousness.
- Koch's mathematical proof states computers will never be conscious.
- Tremblay was involved in the legal fight against AI.
- The novel explores class and moral complicity in AI systems.
- Major publishers have pulled novels over AI-use allegations.
- The title references Philip K. Dick's 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep'.
Entities
Artists
- Paul Tremblay
- Julia Flang
- Mary Roach
- Christof Koch
- Philip K. Dick
Institutions
- New York Times
- Guardian
- Hachette