Audiobook received for free through NetGalley

This was so good. The writing was superb, the characters amazing, the problems realistic and near-feeling, and the narrator great. The book ended at a good place though I would love a continuation too. Overall a great, heart wrenching, and happy read

This was a book that I really enjoyed, really, it made me think about really serious things… Vera is someone that we connect because she only has a desire, she wants to be a mother… that is until she learns a very harsh truth… and that brought me to a very sad reality of our days… but I cant really comment in what I really mean because that could possibly give spoilers and I want everyone to have a chance to read this book and learn things through the eyes of someone that is learning about herself at the same time that we the reader learn about her… there are things that become clearer to us first, because of the off comments (those being outside Vera diary).

I did like Vera, she was to me someone that I felt sad for, I felt her pain, sometimes the diary feels like same old same old, but then we start to realise that is more to Vera than meets the eye. I really recommend this book to everyone.

I also listened to the audiobook, and it was read by the author, I had this experience a couple of times before, and to tell you the truth, those where experiences that I didn’t enjoy and I chose not to review, but you know what?!, this was an amazing surprise, the author, Norah Woodsey was the perfect choice to bring this book to life, and their characters, it was the perfect pacing, we felt Vera’s pain and rage and also her disconnect from reality… we could really feel that Norah loves this story and could perfectly translate the feelings that this book was meant to convey.

The only thing that I didn’t really enjoy was the ending… I didn’t really understand why, or even who, will we have a sequel?

Thank you NetGalley and Norah Woodsey for the ARC and AAC and this is my honest opinion.

The voice of the narrator I enjoyed. I originally chose the book thinking it was scu-fi based on the cover, not sure why, just it's different to other books of a similar genre. The story was mid range for me, a 3 maybe. There were aspects I enjoyed, but would have liked more descriptive writing perhaps. The plot was reasonable but personally not my cup of tea, although sure it will be enjoyed by many.

In a not too distant future that could arguably be where we are headed, where ecological concerns are high, and AI is seamlessly integrated into society. Human concerns are still the same, heartbreak, longing and wanting to belong and be useful. Except when the line is blurred between human and AI. When you can’t trust what is you, or what is being done to you, where do you go from there?

I listened to the audiobook and it started out slow for me but by about 45% way through the audiobook I was invested. The monotonous existence that sets up Vera’s life was dull by design. As she breaks out of her shell, that has been preprogrammed and monitored, it was so interesting to follow from the perspective of her diary.

Also learned that THE AUTHOR narrated the book! Very impressed with the quality. Never would have guessed! I actually love the parts where she narrates the news. The tone is EXACTLY like a newscaster. Highly recommend the audiobook version!!

Sarah’s motherhood rant in Chapter 31 really hits. Wow is that relatable. I think there are a lot of places in the book that will resonate with different people. One thing I may have missed but can’t get out of my head… how did Vera think she was going to get pregnant without monthly cycles? Was that mentioned? Did anyone else think of this?

I really liked this sci-fi book and recommend picking it up! Makes you wonder how many algorithms affect and control your life.

Is this a warning about a potential future? Or does it give us hope? Science making progress and all the ways these things can hurt us. Or help us.
I loved Vera. She deserves all the best things even if she is a little misguided. I found the setting to be jarring. We are so close to all of that. What a nightmare. Or a daydream. Some of it might not be terrible. Arg!

I want Vera on my team.

And the narrator nailed it!

ARC audiobook provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

“The Control Problem” is a sci-fi/fantasy story told from the journal entries of Vera Elpis, a quiet 31-year-old woman whose main goal in life is to be a mother. Vera leads a simple life. She has a desk job that she excels at, although she tries not to draw any attention to herself. Children adore her, her inheritance sustains her, and she is safe. Vera has two friends, one who whom is her cousin, Jennifer, an executive at a secretive tech firm. Jennifer has been a big help to Vera since she was in an accident that took the life of her parents and left her with virtually no memories.

Although Vera’s life is quiet and safe, it is also monotonous and lonely. However, she is convinced all that will change once she has her baby. Vera just has to overcome the infertility issues that plague her and go unexplained. But things take a drastic turn once Vera seeks out a new doctor, turning her world on its head. Why is she so peculiar? What happened before she moved to her apartment? How does she always know the weather forecast? And why doesn’t Jennifer seem to trust her?

I absolutely loved this book. It is a slow burn sci-fi/fantasy novel that explores the various sides of Vera, guiding her from being controlled to taking back control. Without giving too much away, the Vera of before is relatable on so many levels: unsure, insecure, docile, and agreeable. Vera aims to please those around her. As Vera learns more about herself and the world around her, things change, and Vera changes right along with them.

The author did an amazing job with this book. The characters were relatable and engaging. I felt myself invested in Vera’s story and caring about what would happen to her. The story arc was well executed. The plot itself was interesting and an original take on some sci-fi themes. The author’s writing style was enthralling, and it pulled me right in and never let me go. As I approached the end of the book, I was excited to learn how it would end while wanting it to not end at all. I was just enjoying it too much.

My copy of this book was an audiobook, so I must comment on the narrator, who was, in fact, the author. I’m often hesitant to listen to fictional audiobooks narrated by authors as they don’t always successfully pull off varying character voices. That being said, this author did an excellent job. Her narrative pace and tone were well done. Her character voices were well-executed and distinctive. I would definitely recommend the audiobook version of this book.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book. It was an interesting sci-fi/fantasy story that explored the struggles of one woman and her fight for control. I would highly recommend this book for adult and older young adult readers, as well as for fans of sci-fi/fantasy and fiction novels. Pick up a copy and enjoy!