A Working Theory of Love (2012) What makes a man? In this terrific debut novel, A Working Theory of Love , emotionally adrift divorcé Neill Bassett Jr. is trying to build… Fiction Penguin
MECHANICS OF LIFE The main character builds a sentiment computer system that allows him to speak with his late father
MECHANICS OF LIFE The main character builds a sentiment computer system that allows him to speak with his late father
EW's GRADE
A-

Details Release Date: Oct 02, 2012; Genre: Fiction; Publisher: Penguin

What makes a man? In this terrific debut novel, A Working Theory of Love, emotionally adrift divorcé Neill Bassett Jr. is trying to build the world's first sentient computer program. After inputting 20 years of his late father's diaries, he holds conversations with a pixelated personality that seems just like his dad — discussing his life, his childhood, and his current romantic woes. Throughout, Hutchins hits that sweet spot where humor and melancholy comfortably coexist. A-

Originally posted Sep 26, 2012 Published in issue #1227 Oct 05, 2012 Order article reprints