Letters to our Robot Son
An unexpected story of life, family, hope, and redemption—at the end of the world (maybe).
Arto wakes up in a desolate world devoid of humanity—he’s a robot, he knows that much—but he has no memory of how he got here. With a mysterious letter and a cheeky kitten as his only companion, he embarks on a quest to understand his existence.
As Arto navigates this unfamiliar landscape, he stumbles upon a cantankerous robot who claims to be his sister.
And that's a problem, because she might be the reason there are no more people.
About the Author
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Cadance Bell is an Australian author, showrunner, producer, director and writer. Her memoir, The All of It: A Bogan Rhapsody, was published by Penguin in July 2022 to critical acclaim and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year. Cadance is currently working on numerous scripted television projects and developing an immersive feature film, Seouls. Her prior documentary films include The Rainbow Passage for Network 10 and Screen Australia, and Who I Am, the world’s first documentary exploring the intersection of gender diversity and autism. Cadance lives in New South Wales with her fiancée, Amanda. She likes board games and short walks to the fridge. Her favourite food is burritos. |
Praise
‘Bell is a mercurial genius, a fearless imagineer, whose bold ideas fizz off the page with spry wit and distinct rhythm. Letters to Our Robot Son is a superb work that summons the speculative spirit of Philip K. Dick, HG Wells and Charlie Brooker. Told with warmth, tenderness and courage, it’s an unmissable journey that will move, challenge and inspire.’ Craig Silvey, author of Honeybee and Jasper Jones
‘Epic in every possible way. Big ideas. Big adventures. Big heart. Big questions. Cadance Bell reminds us why stories matter – particularly the ones we tell ourselves. She is a tale teller; a world conjurer; a narrative alchemist. Letters to Our Robot Son is as playful as it is prescient, and an intergalactic love letter to found families.’ Beejay Silcox, author and literary critic
‘Cadance Bell has pulled off an extraordinary feat in Letters to Our Robot Son: a terrifying, funny, profound and ultimately hopeful story of what makes us human – and why we must question that. A rollicking adventure with a heart-busting character at its core that tussles with some of the biggest and most important questions of our time.’ Kate Mildenhall, author of The Mother Fault and The Hummingbird Effect
ISBN
9781761154232
Format
Paperback
Cost
$34.99
Pub Date
May 2025
Extent
336pp
Rights
ANZ
Category
Science Fiction
Themes
Found families. A. I. & Robotics: ethics, pathways and futurism. Protopianism.