Lena, a young woman, spent her early years alone in the wilderness with her AI companion, Mother, also referred to as Jungle House. Jungle House, a sophisticated smart home, serves as a protector with a vigilant and commanding voice, always reminding Lena of her upbringing. Lena’s arrival at Jungle House as a child remains a mystery, but she is inherently connected to the forest and later becomes a caretaker for the Morel family members who visit the area. The Morels, part of the elite ruling class, consist of Mr. Morel, who is involved in national security, and his wife, an heiress to a rubber plantation, embodying the essence of a colonial lady with her artistic pursuits and sometimes harsh treatment of her staff.
“Jungle House” is a futuristic narrative with a setting loosely inspired by present-day Colombia, where the author, Julianne Pachico, has roots. While Lena’s jungle environment takes center stage, the story also delves into a murky past involving mining, deforestation, energy business, student activism, and rebel factions. The narrative portrays a world on the brink of environmental and societal collapse, characterized by widespread surveillance and the disappearance of certain species like the jaguar. Through its themes of imperial legacies, advanced AI, environmental degradation, and indigenous resilience, the book addresses significant issues within a complex and interconnected narrative, emphasizing the bond between a young woman and a captivating technological device.
Drawing inspiration from Adolfo Bioy Casares’ classic work “The Invention of Morel,” Pachico skillfully navigates the evolving landscape of AI in a contemporary context. The characters in “Jungle House” are vividly depicted, with Family and Jungle House embodying danger and vulnerability akin to the precarious forest setting. Anton, a retired surveillance drone, forms an unlikely alliance with Lena, showcasing a mix of pathos and mechanical detachment. While some characters lack depth and development, Lena stands out for her yearning for affection and internal conflict with Mother, blurring the lines between humanity and artificial intelligence.
The narrative of “Jungle House” serves as a cautionary tale, blending speculative technology, intricate settings, and geopolitical themes to offer a glimpse into a possible future. Pachico weaves a complex tapestry of ideas, at times bordering on information overload as the story unfolds. Despite its complexity, the novel shines in its vivid details, such as the eccentric characters like the mountain-watching recluse and the adventurous dish bound for Mars, adding layers of depth to the alternate reality crafted by the author.
