In the Lives of Puppets

In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune is a poignant exploration of identity, family, and the complexities of love, set in a whimsical yet darkly imaginative world. The narrative unfolds in a treehouse where Victor, a human, shares his life with three peculiar robots: a sadistic nurse machine, a love-seeking vacuum cleaner, and Giovanni, a fatherly inventor-android. Together, they create an unconventional family unit, sheltered from the harsh realities of the outside world.

The Plot

Victor's life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers HAP, an unfamiliar android with a shadowy past. As Victor delves deeper into HAP's history, he uncovers unsettling truths about the relationship between HAP and Gio, revealing a dark legacy of hunting humans. When Hap unwittingly gives away Gio's location, robots from Gio's former life arrive to take him back to his old laboratory in the City of Electric Dreams, and the rest of the family must cross a strange and unforgiving land to rescue him, while Vic decides whether he can handle his feelings for Hap.

Themes

• Identity and Self-Discovery: Characters grapple with their sense of self in a world that often seeks to define them.
• Family and Belonging: The unconventional family dynamics highlight the importance of love in all its forms.
• The Nature of Humanity: The story raises questions about what it truly means to be human.

With a writing style that blends whimsy with profound emotional depth, Klune invites readers to reflect on their own lives while enjoying this queer retelling of the classic Pinocchio tale. Fans of Klune's previous works, such as The House in the Cerulean Sea and Under the Whispering Door, will find much to enjoy in this enchanting standalone fantasy adventure.