Written by Robert Albo
In just sixteen years, we’ll reach the year 2040. It’s not that far away, yet the evocative title of Robert Albo’s science fiction novel slaps you in the face. 2040 certainly represents the future, but not a distant one. It presents a world with evolved technology, but not one so far into the future that it feels unfamiliar. The book’s protagonist, 40-year-old Michael, would not only be alive today; he’d be a teenager.
For all of 2040’s heady science fiction themes, at its core, it’s a story about Michael Knightsbridge, a character who isn’t always likeable, but is always relatable. Throughout his life, Michael has never been able to live up to his twin brother, Wendell. Plagued by self-doubt and loathing, and an inner commentary he names his “monkey voice,” Michael represents an honest depiction of a character dealing with mental health challenges, particularly anxiety. As somebody who lives with anxiety, this is a depiction I found to be honest, and I appreciate its presentation throughout Michael’s journey, particularly as the book doesn’t simply look at it as a weakness, but also as a strength.
No matter how well drawn a protagonist is, being so engaging only goes so far if they don’t have strong characters to interact with. The characters that populate 2040 largely work well. They add colour to the book’s world and often work as great foils for Michael. Although most of the novel’s characters are fleshed out and clearly drawn, some characters lack depth. These characters feel like they’ve been included to simply serve the story, rather than feeling like real people. Though these characters are in the minority, when this occurs, they stand out against the others.
Throughout its 422 pages in paperback (or an estimated 424 pages if you’re reading on Kindle), 2040 is told tightly from Michael’s perspective. While the book’s science fiction elements are larger than life, and the scope of the story is huge, with the focus so squarely on Michael, it makes the story feel more intimate. While some readers undoubtedly prefer their science fiction stories to bask in their scope, the narrow field of view helps the reader suspend disbelief. This contained point of view elevates the story, taking it from something that could feel over the top, and instead grounding it in the novel’s reality.
The author doesn’t hold back on the science fiction elements, creating a book that well and truly feels as though it deserves the moniker. The plot revolves around the exploration of dark matter which permeates throughout the universe, including within us, while also applying its lens to artificial intelligence and alien life. Its exploration of these elements is intriguing, presented in a way that feels plausible. The backdrop of the near future places this in a world that feels oddly alien, while also reflecting the world around us. 2040’s world feels lived in, an area that’s helped by a political thriller bubbling away in the background that feels akin to 2024’s politics.
With the book honing in on Michael’s character while telling a larger than life science fiction story about dark matter, artificial intelligence and extraterrestrial life, while also presenting a political thriller, there’s a lot happening. While the book brings all these elements together to form a satisfying plot, it does so in a way that feels slow. The various elements could fill a larger book, yet 2040 draws them out. The book’s pacing is drawn out; not in a way that feels deliberate, but one that feels as though it lacks urgency. It rarely feels as though it’s building to a head, but is instead meandering to the next chapter.
Although prose is largely unrelated to a book’s pacing, 2040’s prose doesn’t help the book feel like it’s moving more quickly. It’s clear and serves the story, but doesn’t add any flourishes or colour. Instead, it simply moves the tale forward while describing the events, characters and locations. Likewise, the dialogue is equally serviceable. At times, the book is quite dialogue heavy, but never to the point where it feels as though it takes precedence over the prose. The characters sound realistic, but their voices lack character. As interesting as 2040’s plot is, the writing doesn’t accentuate it.
I’m a big fan of supplementary material in a book’s back matter, and was pleased to discover a section dedicated to book club reader questions. Even if you’re not planning on discussing 2040 as part of a book club, they offer the reader something to ponder. While less of a feature than promoting the author’s other works, it also features the first chapter of a young adult book by the author, Her Dark Matter Necklace. Given the link to dark matter, and a setting, per the details about the books in its series mentioning a setting of 2052, I suspect these take place in the same literary world. Regardless, it’s always entertaining to get a sneak peek at something else the author’s written.2042 is a science fiction story with an entertaining premise, engaging plot and a wonderfully realised protagonist. However, its slow pacing, coupled with prose and dialogue that lacks excitement,means the book doesn’t resonate as strongly as it otherwise could have.
Favourite Passage
He studied her face. There was something else there. Something more she wasn’t telling him. What had started as research into dark matter and consciousness had now moved into politics. Had this always been her ultimate plan? He decided not to pursue it, at least for now.
2040, Chapter Ten: “Media Campaign”
2040 was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest review.
2040 is available in both paperback and Kindle, exclusive to Amazon. An audiobook is expected to be released in the future.
Note: I do not post scores for reviews on this website, but do post them on my Amazon and Goodreads reviews:
- Amazon
- Goodreads
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Interested in purchasing 2040?
Please find a link below; please note I do not collect any proceeds from the sale.
2040: A Riveting Journey into Tomorrow’s World
wastanley.com 