An Absolutely Remarkable Thing: A Novel (The Carls)

The narrative centers on April May, a young art school graduate living in New York City, whose life is upended after she discovers a massive, mysterious robotic sculpture in the middle of a street during the early morning hours. Alongside her friend Andy, who films the encounter, April uploads a video of the figure—whom they name 'Carl'—to the internet. This action inadvertently launches her into global stardom as it is revealed that identical statues have appeared simultaneously in major cities across the world. April becomes the de facto face of the phenomenon, forcing her to contend with the volatile nature of sudden internet fame, the scrutiny of the public eye, and the personal cost of being a media icon. As the mystery surrounding the Carls deepens, the story evolves into a tense exploration of human psychology, mass hysteria, and the complexities of modern communication. The book delves into how society processes fear and uncertainty in the digital age, examining themes of radicalization, the dehumanization of public figures, and the thin line between adoration and vilification. It stands out by effectively blending science fiction elements with a grounded, character-driven study of how our virtual lives and social media habits influence our perceptions of truth and global events.

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