42 pages • 1 hour read
The Girl Who Was Plugged In
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Book Brief
41
Novella • Fiction
Future Earth • 21st Century
1973
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
"The Girl Who Was Plugged In" by James Tiptree Jr. is a novella set in a consumerist future where corporations control most aspects of life. P. Burke, a neglected 17-year-old girl, becomes a Remote controller for the celebrity Delphi through the Global Transmissions Corporation. She excels in her new role and falls in love with rebellious film director Paul Isham, but struggles with her own identity and the corporate world. Themes include the impact of technology, entertainment, consumerism, and the relationship between body and mind. The book contains sensitive topics related to body image and autonomy.
Dark
Mysterious
Emotional
Contemplative
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
2,128 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
James Tiptree Jr.'s The Girl Who Was Plugged In is celebrated for its compelling exploration of identity, technology, and corporate control. Critics praise its innovative narrative and emotional depth, though some find its dystopian themes bleak. The novella remains a thought-provoking and powerful commentary on societal issues.
Who Should Read The Girl Who Was Plugged In?
A reader who would enjoy The Girl Who Was Plugged In by James Tiptree Jr. likely appreciates dystopian science fiction with strong themes of identity, technology, and corporate control. Fans of Philip K. Dick's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? and William Gibson's Neuromancer will find this tale compelling and thought-provoking.
2,128 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Delphi
Delphi
The perfect, flawless young body animated by P. Burke's brain, designed to be a public figure for GTX, serving as a vessel that is adored by fans.
Paul Isham
Paul Isham
The son of a GTX board member, he is a talented filmmaker whose rebellious nature and complex relationship with Delphi create tension within the story.
Joe
Joe
A technical specialist at GTX who trains P. Burke and shows genuine care for her, valuing her intellect and potential over superficial appearances.
Mr. Cantle
Mr. Cantle
A GTX official responsible for interviewing and monitoring Remotes like P. Burke, who navigates corporate constraints while maintaining a pragmatic outlook.
The Sharp-Faced Man
The Sharp-Faced Man
A high-ranking GTX employee often described with animalistic features, who is involved in controlling Delphi's schedule and is portrayed as uncaring and cunning.
41
Novella • Fiction
Future Earth • 21st Century
1973
Adult
18+ years
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