Love is an Algorithm by Laura Brooke Robinson

“Can love be found in the age of AI?”

“I don’t know.”

“Let me go ask an AI.”

Laura Brooke Robson’s newest book Love Is An Algorithm examines this exact question. In a nice blend of literary fiction, romance, and speculative elements, Robson is able to allow readers’ insight into what an AI-charged world might look like within a few short years. 

The main character, Eve, is an up-and-coming musician. After her first few albums don’t garner the responses she hopes, she wants her third album to be her absolute best, with all the things she thinks people listen to songs for. Eve aspires to convey what it means to be human through rage, love, and passion. But even after putting her entire soul into her work, she still isn’t getting the results she wants, leading her manager to undertake further “editing” on Eve’s work with the “help” of artificial intelligence. To her dismay, it’s good. 

While all this is happening, Eve is struggling to make things work with her boyfriend, Fletcher. After a freak accident involving a cougar, which leaves Eve resolving to put herself first, leading her to break up with Fletcher. Post-break-up and recovery, Eve returns to her childhood home and quickly finds herself growing interested in her brother’s best friend, Danny, with whom she had developed an instant connection a few years prior. With a second chance and opportunity to be with Danny, the two are determined to make it work. As the relationship instantly flourishes, Danny and Eve continue their dedication to their own work: Eve working towards her album’s release and Danny collaborating with Eve’s brother to create a new AI-powered dating app.  

I adored the concept of this novel, not because I am a fan of either of the main characters’ actions, but because I believe there is a large gap in literature at the moment, where writers aren’t yet addressing the impending issues an AI-focused world may cause.

As Danny and Eve’s brother continue developing their AI-powered dating app, it is clear that the matches made by their app are either not working out to be long-term matches or don’t encourage long term usage, as proper pairings no longer need to use dating apps. That leaves Danny determined to build an app that helps maintain functioning relationships, whether that be barely staying afloat or thriving. Users can upload their texts to an AI and discuss with a chatbot how strong their relationship is and how to improve it. Yet, when Eve and Danny’s relationship is put to this test, and they receive scores from the 70’s to 90’s, it causes both of them to grow stressed. Why aren’t they a perfect 100% match, and how can they get there?

I adored the concept of this novel, not because I am a fan of either of the main characters’ actions, but because I believe there is a large gap in literature at the moment, where writers aren’t yet addressing the impending issues an AI-focused world may cause. This novel does this in a tactful way, namely by presenting two main characters who embrace this future, allowing readers to root for their relationship and see their flaws, regardless of their personal opinions about AI. 

However, I still came away slightly disappointed by this novel. The premise itself promises a lot, yet it doesn’t deliver commentary that feels poignant to contemporary times. The ethics of using AI are thoroughly discussed in the beginning of the book in a way that was missing throughout the rest of the novel. Not only as readers and writers, but as humans who will continue to live in a world with AI, it's critical to become more nuanced about the morality of using advanced tools like these, where solid conversations on ethics have yet to gain a foothold in society. As a reader, I believe this book could have aided more in solidifying my personal stance on AI. The conclusions readers draw from the story are up to them, yet a world of possibilities within a fictional setting, such as this work, can aid in deepening our conclusions on the use of AI. I wished that Robson’s novel swayed my opinions more, whether that be in challenging my preconceptions or making it so I did not sway in my opinions of AI and its ethical dilemmas.

Love is an Algorithm is excellent for readers who also feel a gap between the world of AI and its discussion in literature. It is enjoyable and fast-paced. And, if, like me, you were a fan of Robson’s past works, this book has her signature unique concepts and tangible characters. This is perfect for fans of The Trunk and Normal People. 

Love is an Algorithm is available now from Park Row.

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