The Murderbot Diaries
Martha Wells
★★★★★ 3.5/5
Science Fiction: distant future, Robots
A most unlikely protagonist that grows on you
The central character in Martha Wells’ Murderbot Diaries series is a SecUnit—a part organic, part robot construct, typically rented out to planetary exploration teams for protection in a universe set in the distant future where interstellar planetary travel is common. This particular SecUnit has hacked its Governor Module releasing it from immediate control of its owners and granting it a degree of free will. It calls itself Muderbot because of a dark past it does not fully recollect, involving the death of several humans that it was responsible for. Murderbot doesn’t particularly like humans (except the ones it feels protective over), prefers to be alone, and is now trying to piece together what happened that fateful day, while at the same time trying to figure out what it wants to be in a world where it now has greater independence. It tries to relate to the world of humans through an addiction to the equivalent of TV soap opera’s it calls entertainment media.
If you had mentioned this as the premise of a series, I would have been dismissive, suggesting it as more appropriate reading for early teen sci-fi readers. But I picked this up solely based on the awards (Hugos and Nebulas) Martha Wells’ series has garnered and was pleasantly surprised at how well the books held my interest through four novellas and one full length novel!
What is it about Murderbot that makes it likable?
This is a question I’ve been asking myself—since an introverted, antisocial, neurotic, TV loving dour robot is not your archetype hero. Is it perhaps Murderbot’s attempts to fit into the world while at the same time retain its individuality and find meaning in its existence?—a struggle everyone can relate to at some level? Or is it that it takes us back to when we came of age and were grappling with newfound independence while trying to make sense of the world? Or that we fantasize being able to consume copious amounts of TV entertainment while equipped with superhuman powers, all without having a real plan for life and making it up as we go? Sally Adee asks and attempts to answer this question here.
Regardless, the series also poses the question, without necessarily intending to do so, of what it means to be sentient and how we should treat other sentient entities. That also likely has something to do with Murderbot’s appeal. Is having free will along with some moral compass sufficient? Humanoid appearance and an ability to protect other humans by themselves are sure to activate human emotions in us. Murderbot has all this and a personality to boot. The human tendency to anthropomorphize is strong enough that people develop attachment to their Roombas. So perhaps, it’s not surprising that one tends to relate to Murderbot in human terms.
More of the same thing
Each novella/book in the series can be read independently but there are connections building up to a larger story through the series. Each book follows the same formulaic storyline: Murderbot is unwittingly caught up with some irresponsible humans who it feels it is compelled to save while pursuing its own private mission. The plot strategy unfortunately started to feel old by the time I finished Network Effect, the fifth book in the series and first ‘full length’ novel. The writing, to Ms. Wells’ credit is easy flowing and brisk, and in the voice of Murderbot—lending greater intimacy to its character and thoughts.
Overall
This is a fine series written in short easy to read books that is well worth a read if you’re into sci-fi. I believe there are new installments of Murderbot released or soon to be released. The lack of novelty in the later books combined with an unconvincing overall plot assure me that I’ve had my fill and will respectfully pass on them.