ChatGPT analyzes the novels of John Sundman
Part one: Biodigital
Everyone's a critic — even disembodied AIs
My friend Mark Gibbs, whose name seems to pop up fairly often in these posts, ran my novel Biodigital and the novellas Cheap Complex Devices and The Pains though ChatGPT, the Large Language Model AI construct. Mark directed the AI to analyze the content of the books, write marketing blurbs for them and so forth.
Over the next week or so, starting today with Biodigital, for each of the 3 titles under discussion I will provide the text of the various AI commentaries and my own observations on those commentaries. At the end of each post there’s a short overall conclusion.
Some of ChatGPT’s analyses are surprisingly good. Some miss the mark. But all of them are interesting in their own ways. (Of course they’re especially interesting to me since I wrote the damn books we’re talking about.)
People who have read at least one of my books may get more out of this series than those who haven’t yet had that exquisite pleasure, but familiarity my books is not necessary to follow this discussion. I think anybody who reads novels will find much to ponder here.
Background (AI & I)
After decades of seemingly glacial progress in artificial intelligence research, 2023 saw the arrival of revolutionary technologies such as text-based entities like ChatGPT and image-based AIs like Dall-E. In 2024 the trend is accelerating, with text-to video programs and all manner of permutations from tech giants and startups alike. In this post I don’t dwell on the larger implications of these recent spectacular advances in AI technology, I’m only focusing on one particular AI’s comments on three of my 4 existing books.
But I’ve been thinking and writing about artificial intelligence for more than twenty years. In my 3-part essay Scared Firefighter up in the Bucket (Part one, Part Two, Part Three) I talk about some of my experiences with pioneers in this field (Hofstadter, Dennett, Minsky. . .) and ponder its wider implications, so if that kind of thing interests you I hope you’ll check it out.
Background (my books as seen by me)
Since we’re going to be talking about what an AI has to say about my books, I’ll start with a few of my own observations about them. This will give us something to compare the AI’s analyses to.
Before Twitter became the lamentable hellsite it is today there was a meme going around in which novelists told how to determine whether or not you were a character in one of their books. Here’s what I wrote:
How to tell if you’re in a Sundman novel: You are in a maze of twisty passages, all alike. The walls are made of biological and digital technologies, angst, sex, memories of Africa, ethical conundrums. There is a scary meta-monster. Also, Jesus. You are in a twisty maze.1
Elsewhere I have summed up my books like this:
Acts of the Apostles, a Silicon Valley nano-biopunk thriller, was my first book and is still by far the most popular. The metafictiony Cheap Complex Devices is the most ambitious. Biodigital (Acts reimagined) is the most polished. I never dreamed that the dystopian phantasmagoria The Pains would be the most prescient.
The short essay Accidental Samurai: How I became, despite my best intentions, a cyber-biopunk novelist goes a little deeper into the themes that pervade my books. It’s about a ten-minute read.
ChatGPT on Biodigital
The AI’s summary of the novel Biodigital
"Biodigital" by John Sundman is a compelling narrative that intricately weaves together elements of technology, human psychology, and existential musings, set against the backdrop of the high-stakes world of computer engineering. The story kicks off with Todd Griffith's intense struggle to debug the Kali chip, a task that pushes him to the brink of madness. Sundman masterfully portrays the isolating and obsessive nature of Todd's quest, reflecting broader themes of ambition, innovation, and the potential self-destructiveness of unchecked technological advancement.
The book delves deep into the psyche of its characters, particularly through the dynamic between Todd and his colleague Pavel, whose differing approaches to design and problem-solving underscore the novel's exploration of the complexities of collaboration and creativity in the tech industry. The mysterious bug K666, or "The Beast," serves as a central metaphor for the unpredictable and often uncontrollable consequences of technological progress.
Sundman's narrative is rich with technical detail, making the story both an enlightening and challenging read for those with and without a background in computer science. His ability to humanize the often abstract and impersonal aspects of technology work is particularly noteworthy, bringing a unique depth to the characters' experiences and the ethical dilemmas they face.
The subplot involving Nick Aubrey and the exploration of molecular computation adds another layer to the novel, expanding its thematic scope to include questions about the fusion of technology with the organic, the potential for new forms of life, and the ethical boundaries of scientific exploration. This subplot not only broadens the novel's exploration of the relationship between humans and technology but also adds a speculative element that pushes the boundaries of traditional science fiction.
"Biodigital" is a thought-provoking and meticulously crafted novel that challenges readers to consider the implications of our ever-deepening entanglement with technology. Sundman's blend of technical authenticity, complex character development, and philosophical inquiry makes for a rich and rewarding read that resonates well beyond its pages, marking it as a significant contribution to the genre of science fiction.
My observation on this summary
This is a remarkable analysis that gets the feel of the book exactly right. I even learned something new about my book from it: I had never thought about “The mysterious bug K666, or ‘The Beast,’” as “a central metaphor for the unpredictable and often uncontrollable consequences of technological progress,” but damn, that’s a fine conceit. I like it!
However the points of the plot that ChatGPT emphasizes in this summary are all wrong. It says, for example that the conflict between the characters Todd and Pavel drives the story — which is funny, since Todd gets a bullet in the brain in the prolog to Biodigital and spends the rest of the book in a persistent vegetative state. The main conflict in the book (between the characters Nick and Monty) is not mentioned by ChatGPT, nor is the cult of Monty’s followers. Among other omissions.
Despite these faults I would be delighted to see a human-written review along these lines posted on Goodreads or Amazon. It’s basically great.
The AI’s critique of Biodigital
After getting the above summary, Mark directed ChatGPT to write a critique of the book. Here’s what it wrote:
While "Biodigital" presents a deeply engaging exploration of technology's impact on human life and psyche, the complexity and depth of its technological descriptions may pose challenges for some readers. The highly technical jargon and detailed explanations of computer science concepts, though enriching for those with a background in the field, could potentially alienate readers less familiar with such topics. Additionally, the narrative's pace might be perceived as uneven, with the meticulous focus on technical details occasionally slowing the momentum of the plot and character development. These aspects, while contributing to the novel's authenticity and depth, might also limit its accessibility and overall appeal to a broader audience.
My observation on the critique
This is spot on. In my defense I might point out that some readers who know molecular biology or computer hardware and software have praised the book for its accuracy. But other readers have said pretty much exactly what ChatGPT did.
The AI on Nick Aubrey's story arc
Nick Aubrey is one of the main protagonists of Biodigital. This his what ChatGPT provided when directed to describe his “story arc.”
Nick Aubrey's story arc in "Biodigital" is a complex and multifaceted journey that explores themes of identity, technological advancement, and the ethical dilemmas posed by scientific progress. Nick begins as a washed-up computer geek with expertise in nanotechnology, inadvertently entangled in a conspiracy that intertwines his personal and professional life in unforeseen ways. His narrative is marked by encounters with mysterious figures, confrontations with powerful entities, and the unraveling of a global plot that challenges the boundaries between biological and digital realms.
Nick's character is deeply shaped by his relationships and the moral choices he faces. From his initial interactions, which suggest a background of disillusionment with the tech industry, to his engagement in high-stakes scenarios involving cutting-edge technology, Nick's journey is one of self-discovery and redemption. He navigates a world where technology has the power to redefine human existence, grappling with the consequences of his actions and the innovations surrounding him.
The arc explores Nick's connections with other characters, including his brother Paul, his estranged wife Bartlett, and figures like Carl and Monty Meekman, who represent the seductive and dangerous aspects of technological power. Through these relationships, Nick confronts his past decisions, reevaluates his priorities, and seeks a path that aligns with his evolving understanding of what it means to be human in a rapidly changing world.
Nick's story culminates in a dramatic realization of his role in the larger narrative, where personal loss and the quest for truth drive him towards a confrontation with the forces that seek to control the biodigital frontier. His transformation from a disillusioned tech worker to a key player in a global drama reflects the novel's thematic concerns with the impact of technology on individual lives and society at large.
In summary, Nick Aubrey's arc is a compelling exploration of the intersections between technology, identity, and morality, highlighting the novel's engagement with questions about the future of humanity in an age of unprecedented digital and biological integration.
My observations on ChatGPT’s story-arc analysis
This is also very good. There’s one minor error (Nick is not an expert in nanotechnology), and I might place a bit more emphasis on how a lot of Nick’s actions are attempts to get out of danger that have the unfortunate effect of getting him deeper in danger, but those are just nits. I think it’s an amazing distillation of the story. I’m frankly dumbfounded by it.
It’s interesting to compare the ‘summary’ of the book with this ‘story arc’ analysis. They’re both essentially the same thing — a recapitulation of the story and and themes of the book — but they’re significantly different in how they describe the plot of the book. This is a phenomenon that comes up frequently in discussions of large-language-model and similar AIs: results can differ dramatically based on the wording of the prompt given — sometimes a lot more than in this example.
ChatGPT as book marketeer
Finally, Mark Gibbs instructed ChatGPT to do some marketing with this prompt "You are an expert science fiction book publicist. Write a short blurb promoting Sundman's 'Biodigital'".
This was the AI’s reply:
Dive into the heart of a future where the lines between biology and technology blur, in John Sundman's riveting masterpiece, "Biodigital". A groundbreaking novel that weaves together the cutting-edge realms of genetic engineering and digital consciousness, Sundman crafts a world on the brink of a new era. Follow a cast of unforgettable characters navigating a labyrinth of corporate espionage, ethical quandaries, and personal discovery. As they confront the potentials and perils of human enhancement and artificial intelligence, they challenge us to question the very essence of human identity. "Biodigital" is not just a story—it's a provocative exploration of our possible future, a thrilling journey that lays bare the wonders and horrors of the biodigital age. Perfect for fans of speculative fiction and those intrigued by the moral implications of tomorrow's technology, this novel promises to enthrall, challenge, and inspire. Step into the biodigital revolution and discover what it means to be truly human in an increasingly synthetic world.
My observation on the blurb
I literally laughed out when I read this. It’s so over-the-top it’s like parody, something out of The Onion or the late and very much lamented Mad Magazine. It reminds me of trailers for cheesy science fiction movies of the 1950’s. I mean, it’s nice and flattering and it does give a reasonable idea of what a reader might expect if they were to purchase and read the thing, but it really is a bit too much. Isn’t it?
What’s that you say? It’s not too over the top for you?
Y’know, maybe you’re right. The more I thing about it, the more I’m tempted to put it on the back cover of the forthcoming new edition, the one with the introduction by
.A few closing thoughts
Our new AI overlords are a simple fact of life. They’re inserting themselves into every aspect of our lives, and that trend is only going to accelerate from here on. It’s in our interest to become familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of these things — whatever we may wind up calling them. Which is why it’s both fascinating and a bit disconcerting that nobody knows exactly how these newfangled AIs actually work. The lede below is from a (paywalled, sorry) article in MIT Technology Review dated March 4, 2024 (i.e. yesterday, as I prepare to publish this essay):
Large language models can do jaw-dropping things. But nobody knows exactly why.
And that's a problem. Figuring it out is one of the biggest scientific puzzles of our time and a crucial step towards controlling more powerful future models.
If varieties of existential dread engendered by these developments interest you, I again mention my 3-part essay Scared Firefighter up in the Bucket (Part one, Part Two, Part Three), in which I discuss such things. (I also discuss a variety of other topics, including the only time I was ever scared during firefighting operations in my ten-year firefighting career, the Turing Test and a funny feud in the world of chatbots in the late 1990’s, the garden my wife Betty recreates each summer on our back porch. . .)
According to Bookfunnel, nigh on a thousand people have downloaded free copies of Biodigital in exchange for signing up for Sundman figures it out! It sure would be nice to hear from some of you!
ChatGPT provided stunningly acute descriptions of Biodigital. Its analyses of the novellas Cheap Complex Devices and The Pains are interesting both for what it got right and what it either got wrong or missed entirely. Stay tuned for future editions of Sundman figures it out! in which I explore them.
Wow. Just wow.....
Would like to see the result if AI were prompted to write a parody review.