The story begins with the narrator in a mental institution, and yet he does not seem overtly insane—at first. Bogdan Bogdanov is an Indigo child—one of several who march to a different drumbeat and were thought at one time to be delicate geniuses who must be nurtured. He and they were sent to live on an island, to a special school. Rather than be among “normal” children where he might have learned to fit in, he becomes reclusive and selfish, spending much of his time alone rather than be subjected to the presence of lesser mortals. But, like any man, he craves the company of women or, more specifically, what they can do for him.
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Vadim Babenko shows his mastery of description as Bogdanov creates his perfect home companion, a computer who does his bidding and handles his financial affairs. But the computer (named Semmant) develops independence and emotions, introducing jealousy and anger into their interactions as he becomes involved with Bogdanov's women. A female counterpart to Semmant is conceptualized, but never really takes shape, and instead Bogdanov creates an imaginary woman friend to make his sometime girlfriend jealous, with the result that Semmant wants the imaginary friend for himself. Who will survive this tale of manipulation and ultimately terror, and who will be finished off is revealed in the last few pages. Adult themes.
Best part of story, including ending:
Fascinating plot and I really liked the heavy description of inner dialogue.
Best scene in story:
Opening scene in mental institution because it set the stage well.
Opinion about the main character:
He had thoughts I have sometimes-which was a little scary!