Naomi Alderman's The Future is praised for its thought-provoking narrative and engaging writing. Reviewers commend its imaginative exploration of technology and society, though some find the pacing uneven. Characters receive mixed reviews, with some finding them compelling while others see them as underdeveloped. Overall, it's a stimulating read for fans of speculative fiction.

A reader who would enjoy The Future by Naomi Alderman is likely someone intrigued by dystopian narratives and speculative fiction. Fans of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale and Alderman’s own The Power would appreciate its exploration of technology and societal shifts. This reader values thought-provoking themes and complex characters.

In The Future by Naomi Alderman, set in a post-apocalyptic near future, the CEOs of the three largest technology companies vanish amidst societal collapse. Survivalist Lai Zhen navigates a world where technology and corporate power dominate, leading to unexpected alliances and confrontations. Themes of environmental impact and corporate ethics are central to the novel. The novel contains depictions of death by suicide and substance misuse.

Naomi Alderman

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Future and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Future Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Future Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Essential Problem”

Part 1 The Future Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Thing That Is Coming”

Part 2 The Future Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Last Good Man in Sodom”

Part 3 The Future Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The Possibilities of Iteration or, Try, Try Again or, Keep Going, You’ll Get There in the End. Well. Either That, or The End Will Get You”

Part 4 The Future Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Nothing Is Ever Really Over”

Part 5 The Future Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “How to Know for Sure

Part 6 The Future Part 6 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Future Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Future Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Future Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Future Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Future Essay Topics

The Future

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Future?

Reading Age

Book Details