2040 by Robet Albo
2040 Synopsis
In 2040, advanced technology has transformed daily life, yet many social ills remain.
At 40, Michael faces a choice: remain in Boston, tethered to uninspiring government programs, or forge a fresh path. Embracing the latter, he relocates to Berkeley to join his twin brother in his groundbreaking research into dark matter.
Could this elusive, intangible substance, rumored to permeate the universe, also reside within the human brain, holding the key to the mysteries of consciousness?
When an experiment goes awry, or perhaps ominously right, Michael undergoes an extraordinary transformation, emerging with newfound confidence, insatiable ambition, and an enigmatic edge. Enter Anni, a formidable Chinese power broker and trailblazer in the realm of artificial intelligence.
Amidst this backdrop, a catastrophic “sleeping sickness” sweeps across the globe, consuming the consciousness of its victims. Scientists make a chilling discovery; the origins are extraterrestrial.
Delving into themes of dark matter, artificial intelligence, and the new frontier of artificial intimacy, this novel offers a stark look at the challenges and wonders that may await us in the not-so-distant future.
Author Interview
Tell us what you enjoy most about writing speculative fiction.
I like starting with an idea or question and seeing where it goes. For example, why does our universe work out so perfectly to support life; it’s almost impossible to happen randomly.
Scientists argue there must be an infinite number of universes, and we just happen to be in the right one. I didn’t like this answer so speculated about a universal spirit who created the right conditions, and what this would mean, like a cosmic purpose.
What have you found to be most challenging about writing in speculative fiction?
Writing for a single genre like sci-fi, which is how most people buy books. My current book, 2040, is sci-fi. My earlier 3-book series, Her Dark Matter Necklace, was YA, sci-fi, spiritual, and philosophical.
Describe the book, 2040, in 10 words or less for people who are just learning about it.
Dark matter experiment transforms man amid an alien threat and AI rise.
Is there anything you would like people to take away from your book?
From a human perspective, society could undergo tremendous change due to technological advancements in the next twenty years. From a scientific perspective, there are many unknowns that may be connected such as theoretical dark matter, human consciousness, and advanced AI.
Share some advice for aspiring authors. What advice would you give to your younger self?
Ideas are great, but they must be conveyed through characters and their personal development, ideally with suspense and action.
What is your favorite line from your book?
“I can make the impossible possible.”
Describe your writing process. Do you outline, plot and plan, or is your writing more organic?
For business writing, I’d start with what I wanted to convince the reader to do, like fund a project or support a promotion. Then I’d present the reasons for doing it and address any anticipated arguments against it. All of this was background for an in-person meeting.
Speculative fiction writing is completely different. I start with an idea and write a chapter. This generates new ideas, and I write another chapter. I don’t know how the story will end until I’m in the final chapters. I think this writing draws on my unstructured subconscious whereas my business writing uses my rational consciousness.
Author Bio
Bob Albo started writing speculative fiction in 2018 after working for twenty years in the technology industry and management consulting for twenty years. His first 3-book series is a fantasy sci-fi coming-of-age story about a teenager and was completed in 2022. His fourth book, 2040, came out in 2024.
Website: www.robertalbo.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19995895.Robert_Albo
Possible Book Club Reader Questions
- The ending of 2040 is bittersweet. Could a sequel have a ‘happy ever after’? Why or why not?
- Michael’s monkey voice of self-doubt and caution saved Earth. Was there a situation where your weakness became a strength?
- Does the vastness of the universe guarantee advanced alien life? If so, have aliens discovered Earth? Have they visited Earth (e.g. UFO/UAP)?
- Is Anni a good or bad thing for humanity? How would you feel if she controlled Earth?
- One idea raised in the book was the existence of a human soul, composed of dark matter. Why did the author not pursue this?
- Another idea was human institutions prioritize their preservation over their purpose for being. What examples in the world prove or disprove this?
- Is a marriage with artificial intimacy worth having? What would you have done in Marie’s shoes?
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