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 boy, 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. This discovery forces the family to confront their fears and reassess their understanding of what it means to be alive, challenging the boundaries of love and loyalty.

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, will find familiar themes of acceptance and the search for belonging woven throughout this enchanting narrative.