Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Books

The Hierarchies by Ros Anderson: Asks questions on what it means to be human

Ros Anderson's debut The Hierarchies returns to the dystopian sci-fi fantasy of a robotic society. Anderson's narrator however has a convincing voice as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

In Ros Anderson’s debut The Hierarchies,  the story is told by Sylv.ie, a sentient robot. Created rather than Born, she has been designed to cater for all her Husband’s needs. This idea is a familiar one in science fiction, but Anderson here imbues her narrator with a wonderfully convincing voice, a mix of naivety and acute observation, as Sylv.ie begins to dream of a different life outside the locked walls of her Husband’s home.

Books Review 1468
The Hierarchies by Ros Anderson is out now (Dead Ink, £9.99) Image: Courtesy of PR

Without giving away spoilers, Sylv.ie does indeed go on a journey of self-discovery in a narrative that is both warmly humane and subtly profound, asking big questions about what it means to be human. There is a poetic lilt to The Hierarchies at times, and Anderson’s involving narrative is handled with skill and assurance. Definitely one to watch for the future.

The Hierarchies by Ros Anderson is out now (Dead Ink, £9.99)

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

READER-SUPPORTED SINCE 1991

Reader-supported journalism that doesn’t just report problems, it helps solve them.

Recommended for you

View all
Big Issue's greatest interviews in history published in a collection for the first time
big issue the great interviews cover
Big Issue

Big Issue's greatest interviews in history published in a collection for the first time

Top 5 seafaring books, chosen by award-winning writer Carolyn Kirby
Books

Top 5 seafaring books, chosen by award-winning writer Carolyn Kirby

House of Day, House of Night by Olga Tokarczuk review – mushrooming magic
Books

House of Day, House of Night by Olga Tokarczuk review – mushrooming magic

Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy review – words of wisdom
Books

Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy review – words of wisdom