Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Literary fiction for the concerned citizen who can't put her phone down.” ―The New Yorker
“Dyroff's near future-set book is a bewitching story about technology and isolation. It will grip readers with mesmerizing writing and a tautly-paced plot.” ―Debutiful, “Most Anticipated Debut Books of 2024”
“Inventive . . . The novel's view of the future is particularly distinct in its depictions of dating life . . . Dyroff nails the ways in which single-minded ambition can obscure opportunities for connection. This brims with clear insight and unsettling visions of the world to come.” ―Publishers Weekly
“Dyroff's debut is fun to read, taking place in a world that's entertaining to ponder: what will our priorities be after the full AI renaissance? Dyroff is beyond imaginative, specifically so in building a world that's just close enough to present reality. Perfect for fans of Dave Eggers' The Circle.” ―Booklist
“Charlee Dyroff's Loneliness & Company is a sharply etched and strangely propulsive story about artificial intelligence and authentic feeling: a canny, tender exploration of the stories we tell about our bonds with each other, and the realities we'd rather not face about our bonds with the technologies that shape our days.” ―Leslie Jamison, New York Times bestselling author of THE EMPATHY EXAMS and MAKE IT SCREAM, MAKE IT BURN
“Naturally intelligent. An inventive, timely, and perceptive story about human connection and being alive.” ―Emily Austin, author of EVERYONE IN THIS ROOM WILL SOMEDAY BE DEAD
“It's such a great premise: a future in which loneliness has allegedly been eradicated. I was hooked from the start, and marveled at the poignancy of watching Lee relearn the basics of friendship for the sake of an AI program. Honestly, it felt like where we might all end up if we continue to let social media dominate our lives. Dyroff's brilliant story will make you want to hold all your-real-friends closer.” ―Jessica Francis Kane, author of RULES FOR VISITING
“Charlee Dyroff's Loneliness & Company brings us into a world in which technology has solved almost all of our problems except that most universal yet alienating emotional condition of all-loneliness. Tender and hopeful, Dyroff's story glimmers with humor, empathy, and profound insights into the inner workings of the human heart and psyche. Her vision is utterly singular, captivating, and full of heart, reminding us of the incalculable intimacies of being alive. Reading this book felt like catching up with an old friend, or meeting a new one.” ―Gina Chung, author of SEA CHANGE and GREEN FROG
“This book is funny, tender, strange, and modern. Dyroff has written a bildungsroman for the robot set, a profound look at human curiosity and longing in a finely wrought near-future New York. Loneliness & Company resonates and pops; it infiltrated my dreams.” ―Kate Greene, author of ONCE UPON A TIME I LIVED ON MARS
“To inflict the demand of 'utility' on a novel is to succumb to just the sort of doomed tech logic that Dyroff skewers so nimbly and with so much intelligence in her debut. Nonetheless, if one use for literature is to make us feel less alone, then the author has succeeded brilliantly with Loneliness & Company. This is a tender, visionary, wide-hearted book that offers itself as a course corrective to our hyper-quantified, algorithm-craven age.” ―Hermione Hoby, author of VIRTUE
“Dyroff's novel brilliantly uses a futuristic, slightly off-kilter world to highlight the absurdity and pain of our current reality. However, Dyroff's sharp, electric prose and wry humor keep Loneliness & Company from ever feeling weighed down by its circumstances. With her debut, Dyroff has pulled off a truly impressive feat-writing a story about loneliness that isn't so much a cautionary tale, but a tender, heartfelt reminder to value your time on Earth and the people that make your days more than just a sunrise and a sunset. A new and talented writer to watch.” ―Jean Kyoung Frazier, author of PIZZA GIRL
“Loneliness & Company is a stunning novel, full of lyricism, brilliance and quiet integrity, boldly tackling the most complex philosophical ideas. How do you define loneliness that plagues all of us, increasingly so? Is it a personal affliction or an existential condition? I'll be thinking about this novel for a long time.” ―Lara Vapnyar, author of DIVIDE ME BY ZERO
“In Dyroff's deeply original novel, it is possible to see the future. Loneliness & Company invites us into a techno laden world that is not so far from our own. A riveting and unforgettable story of ambition that also reminds us how essential friendship is.” ―Wendy S. Walters, author of MULTIPLY/DIVIDE
About the Author
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly Prescient -- Touches On The Major Trends Of Our Times
I was blown away by the fact that the author started writing this book a couple of years ago, before artificial intelligence was in the news, and before the topic and trend of loneliness became so prevalent. The clairvoyance is uncanny and the storyline, while fictional, is totally believable given what's going on in our world today. This is why the novel almost reads like nonfiction, but the plotline carries you forward like a fictional thriller. I audibly gasped, "Holy crap" during the plot twist at the end of the book. Truly a work of art, there is no doubt that this will be adapted for either a movie or a series.
4.0 out of 5 stars Deeply human, yet visionary
This book takes a thoughtful approach to the notion of loneliness in the faces of AI and the many robotic companions already in development or on the market.
5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling story, beautifully written
Loneliness & Company was a fantastic read. In a truly novel take and an incredibly fun read, Charlee Dyroff confronts both the growing endemic of loneliness and the looming threat of AI, pushing us subtly to think deeply and thoughtfully about the implications of both. More than that though, Loneliness & Company is beautifully written, populated by great characters and is driven forward with a compelling, narrative. Its the first book in a very long while that I couldn't wait to get back to. Definitely would give this my strongest recommendation.
4.0 out of 5 stars Very creative and engaging
Kinda blown away that this is a first novel! In a not-so-distant future, the protagonist Lee is a recent grad of an elite Program where she has dedicated her life to achievement. She's disappointed to be sent to a no-name company and assigned to a mysterious project. Learning she must gather data to help AI become more human, it's sadly funny as the only way she knows to gather data is by going online.I really loved the book's portrayal of the future, in which NYC is a dead city and the Midwest is where all the action is. The future portrayed here is just a tad more digitized than our current time. Instead of cooking people order food and it is delivered instantly (not just meals, but like if you want a cookie it's delivered instantly), purchase clothing by tapping the glass display windows at empty stores, and eat at restaurants by tapping on screens and having food shot out at them by machines. When Lee discovers a "primitive" restaurant that is actually staffed by humans and has menus, she is drawn to the place over and over again and starts to discover the magic of real life interaction.Lee, who is socially awkward to the point of agony, gradually becomes comfortable interacting with humans IRL. It's touching and funny as she navigates things like friendship, getting drinks or coffee and even dating. But the book takes a dark turn as Lee's drive for perfection and her assignment to "experience life" for the AI spin out of control.This book started off reminding me of "The Factory" by Hiroko Amayada and turned into shades of "The Rosie Project". Touching and truly original, well worth reading!
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
I can’t believe this is a debut novel for this author! "Loneliness and Company" is a moving story of human connection. Through her storytelling, Dyroff delves into the transformative power of genuine relationships. This book serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of meaningful connections in our lives. With its wonderfully crafted characters and thought-provoking themes, "Loneliness and Company" is a must-read!
3.0 out of 5 stars 3.5
This is a smart book, an interesting book but it was hard for me to read as the style was more technical/detached than i like. It worked for the story but not for the kind of reader I am. It is worth the read though despite this 3.5
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Read
Loneliness and Company was a wonderful read. it opened up a new perspective and had me venturing into a world of AI, longing, love and a future of hope in a world with so much digital and technology in our every day lives. I will keep an eye out for future books from this author.
4.0 out of 5 stars Poignant
This is definitely a slow burn. A poignant look at the idea of loneliness, though I often think about how the technology presented in near future worlds make people feel less tangibly human.
Visit the Bloomsbury Publishing Store
Loneliness & Company
AED12883
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
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Visit the Bloomsbury Publishing Store
Loneliness & Company
AED12883
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Literary fiction for the concerned citizen who can't put her phone down.” ―The New Yorker
“Dyroff's near future-set book is a bewitching story about technology and isolation. It will grip readers with mesmerizing writing and a tautly-paced plot.” ―Debutiful, “Most Anticipated Debut Books of 2024”
“Inventive . . . The novel's view of the future is particularly distinct in its depictions of dating life . . . Dyroff nails the ways in which single-minded ambition can obscure opportunities for connection. This brims with clear insight and unsettling visions of the world to come.” ―Publishers Weekly
“Dyroff's debut is fun to read, taking place in a world that's entertaining to ponder: what will our priorities be after the full AI renaissance? Dyroff is beyond imaginative, specifically so in building a world that's just close enough to present reality. Perfect for fans of Dave Eggers' The Circle.” ―Booklist
“Charlee Dyroff's Loneliness & Company is a sharply etched and strangely propulsive story about artificial intelligence and authentic feeling: a canny, tender exploration of the stories we tell about our bonds with each other, and the realities we'd rather not face about our bonds with the technologies that shape our days.” ―Leslie Jamison, New York Times bestselling author of THE EMPATHY EXAMS and MAKE IT SCREAM, MAKE IT BURN
“Naturally intelligent. An inventive, timely, and perceptive story about human connection and being alive.” ―Emily Austin, author of EVERYONE IN THIS ROOM WILL SOMEDAY BE DEAD
“It's such a great premise: a future in which loneliness has allegedly been eradicated. I was hooked from the start, and marveled at the poignancy of watching Lee relearn the basics of friendship for the sake of an AI program. Honestly, it felt like where we might all end up if we continue to let social media dominate our lives. Dyroff's brilliant story will make you want to hold all your-real-friends closer.” ―Jessica Francis Kane, author of RULES FOR VISITING
“Charlee Dyroff's Loneliness & Company brings us into a world in which technology has solved almost all of our problems except that most universal yet alienating emotional condition of all-loneliness. Tender and hopeful, Dyroff's story glimmers with humor, empathy, and profound insights into the inner workings of the human heart and psyche. Her vision is utterly singular, captivating, and full of heart, reminding us of the incalculable intimacies of being alive. Reading this book felt like catching up with an old friend, or meeting a new one.” ―Gina Chung, author of SEA CHANGE and GREEN FROG
“This book is funny, tender, strange, and modern. Dyroff has written a bildungsroman for the robot set, a profound look at human curiosity and longing in a finely wrought near-future New York. Loneliness & Company resonates and pops; it infiltrated my dreams.” ―Kate Greene, author of ONCE UPON A TIME I LIVED ON MARS
“To inflict the demand of 'utility' on a novel is to succumb to just the sort of doomed tech logic that Dyroff skewers so nimbly and with so much intelligence in her debut. Nonetheless, if one use for literature is to make us feel less alone, then the author has succeeded brilliantly with Loneliness & Company. This is a tender, visionary, wide-hearted book that offers itself as a course corrective to our hyper-quantified, algorithm-craven age.” ―Hermione Hoby, author of VIRTUE
“Dyroff's novel brilliantly uses a futuristic, slightly off-kilter world to highlight the absurdity and pain of our current reality. However, Dyroff's sharp, electric prose and wry humor keep Loneliness & Company from ever feeling weighed down by its circumstances. With her debut, Dyroff has pulled off a truly impressive feat-writing a story about loneliness that isn't so much a cautionary tale, but a tender, heartfelt reminder to value your time on Earth and the people that make your days more than just a sunrise and a sunset. A new and talented writer to watch.” ―Jean Kyoung Frazier, author of PIZZA GIRL
“Loneliness & Company is a stunning novel, full of lyricism, brilliance and quiet integrity, boldly tackling the most complex philosophical ideas. How do you define loneliness that plagues all of us, increasingly so? Is it a personal affliction or an existential condition? I'll be thinking about this novel for a long time.” ―Lara Vapnyar, author of DIVIDE ME BY ZERO
“In Dyroff's deeply original novel, it is possible to see the future. Loneliness & Company invites us into a techno laden world that is not so far from our own. A riveting and unforgettable story of ambition that also reminds us how essential friendship is.” ―Wendy S. Walters, author of MULTIPLY/DIVIDE
About the Author
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly Prescient -- Touches On The Major Trends Of Our Times
I was blown away by the fact that the author started writing this book a couple of years ago, before artificial intelligence was in the news, and before the topic and trend of loneliness became so prevalent. The clairvoyance is uncanny and the storyline, while fictional, is totally believable given what's going on in our world today. This is why the novel almost reads like nonfiction, but the plotline carries you forward like a fictional thriller. I audibly gasped, "Holy crap" during the plot twist at the end of the book. Truly a work of art, there is no doubt that this will be adapted for either a movie or a series.
4.0 out of 5 stars Deeply human, yet visionary
This book takes a thoughtful approach to the notion of loneliness in the faces of AI and the many robotic companions already in development or on the market.
5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling story, beautifully written
Loneliness & Company was a fantastic read. In a truly novel take and an incredibly fun read, Charlee Dyroff confronts both the growing endemic of loneliness and the looming threat of AI, pushing us subtly to think deeply and thoughtfully about the implications of both. More than that though, Loneliness & Company is beautifully written, populated by great characters and is driven forward with a compelling, narrative. Its the first book in a very long while that I couldn't wait to get back to. Definitely would give this my strongest recommendation.
4.0 out of 5 stars Very creative and engaging
Kinda blown away that this is a first novel! In a not-so-distant future, the protagonist Lee is a recent grad of an elite Program where she has dedicated her life to achievement. She's disappointed to be sent to a no-name company and assigned to a mysterious project. Learning she must gather data to help AI become more human, it's sadly funny as the only way she knows to gather data is by going online.I really loved the book's portrayal of the future, in which NYC is a dead city and the Midwest is where all the action is. The future portrayed here is just a tad more digitized than our current time. Instead of cooking people order food and it is delivered instantly (not just meals, but like if you want a cookie it's delivered instantly), purchase clothing by tapping the glass display windows at empty stores, and eat at restaurants by tapping on screens and having food shot out at them by machines. When Lee discovers a "primitive" restaurant that is actually staffed by humans and has menus, she is drawn to the place over and over again and starts to discover the magic of real life interaction.Lee, who is socially awkward to the point of agony, gradually becomes comfortable interacting with humans IRL. It's touching and funny as she navigates things like friendship, getting drinks or coffee and even dating. But the book takes a dark turn as Lee's drive for perfection and her assignment to "experience life" for the AI spin out of control.This book started off reminding me of "The Factory" by Hiroko Amayada and turned into shades of "The Rosie Project". Touching and truly original, well worth reading!
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
I can’t believe this is a debut novel for this author! "Loneliness and Company" is a moving story of human connection. Through her storytelling, Dyroff delves into the transformative power of genuine relationships. This book serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of meaningful connections in our lives. With its wonderfully crafted characters and thought-provoking themes, "Loneliness and Company" is a must-read!
3.0 out of 5 stars 3.5
This is a smart book, an interesting book but it was hard for me to read as the style was more technical/detached than i like. It worked for the story but not for the kind of reader I am. It is worth the read though despite this 3.5
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Read
Loneliness and Company was a wonderful read. it opened up a new perspective and had me venturing into a world of AI, longing, love and a future of hope in a world with so much digital and technology in our every day lives. I will keep an eye out for future books from this author.
4.0 out of 5 stars Poignant
This is definitely a slow burn. A poignant look at the idea of loneliness, though I often think about how the technology presented in near future worlds make people feel less tangibly human.
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “Coming of Age”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U163973645K