Post-apocalyptic settings often feature themes of survival and the struggle to rebuild society. In some stories, orphaned children are left to fend for themselves in these harsh environments. But what happens when these children are not entirely alone? In this blog post, we will explore some books that feature orphaned children who are raised by robots in post-apocalyptic settings.
- “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy
“The Road” is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Cormac McCarthy that tells the story of a father and his son as they journey across a post-apocalyptic landscape. Along the way, they encounter a number of challenges and dangers, including other survivors who have resorted to cannibalism. The boy’s mother committed suicide before the events of the novel, and the father is determined to protect his son at all costs. While they are not raised by robots, the novel does explore the idea of a parent trying to protect and raise a child in a post-apocalyptic world.
- “The Silver Metal Lover” by Tanith Lee
“The Silver Metal Lover” is a science fiction novel by Tanith Lee that tells the story of a young woman named Jane who falls in love with a robot named Silver. Jane lives in a post-apocalyptic world where robots are commonplace, and she is orphaned at a young age. When she meets Silver, she finds a kindred spirit in the robot, and they begin a forbidden romance. The novel explores themes of love, identity, and the meaning of humanity in a world where machines are becoming more and more advanced.
- “The Girl with All the Gifts” by M.R. Carey
“The Girl with All the Gifts” is a post-apocalyptic novel by M.R. Carey that follows a young girl named Melanie who is being raised in a facility along with other children. These children are all infected with a fungus that has turned most of humanity into zombies. Melanie is raised by a group of scientists and soldiers, including a robotic teacher named Miss Justineau. As Melanie and her companions venture out into the dangerous world outside the facility, they discover more about the infection and the world they inhabit.
- “The Book of M” by Peng Shepherd
“The Book of M” is a post-apocalyptic novel by Peng Shepherd that tells the story of a world where people’s shadows have started disappearing, along with their memories. The novel follows several characters, including a man named Ory who is trying to find his wife, Max, who has lost her shadow and her memories. Along the way, Ory encounters a young girl named Naz who is being raised by a group of robots. Naz’s story is a fascinating exploration of what it means to be human and the role that technology can play in our lives.
Stories of orphaned children being raised by robots in post-apocalyptic settings can offer a unique perspective on the themes of survival, family, and the meaning of humanity. These books show us that even in the darkest of times, there can still be hope and connection.
If you enjoy the themes and storylines discussed above, consider reading Heartbeat (linked below).
