Book review of Court of the Grandchildren

Court of the Grandchildren by Michael Muntisov and Greg Finlayson is a thoroughly readable book, like a pleasant journey all through.

Set in not so distant future (2059 AD), its characters and setting are relatable. 

It deals with human emotions in an era of omnipresence of artificial intelligence and human like robots, which are much more precise and capable than humans. The bonding between the young lady, Lily, and her great grand-uncle in his 90s who is connected to her by his AI care-giver just for giving the permission for euthanasia death to him is nuanced and it develops over the length of the novel.

Lily's great grand-uncle, David, happens to be a key figure in taking climate related actions in his heydays. Through him and his submissions before a court to decide on climate matters, the book is a commentary on the climate change actions being taken today, and their likely impact on the future generations, which we tend to ignore in the present. It draws attention to the grave human suffering that short-term view of priorities can cause. Even the well-meaning people at the helm who are committed to reduce long term environmental impact of human actions can fail in visualizing the disasters their small failings can result in.

It is highly creditable that the authors' attention to story-telling and emotions makes the serious subject of climate change so integral to the story and the book remains easy to read. Though the end has a message, it is no preaching. 

The book deserves more than 4 stars, but there is no way I can give give a rating in fractions.