Review of Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz

This short novel explores an alternate-history, near-future, post-war San Francisco in which robots come online and create a noodle shop that bridges the gaps between themselves and humans. Newitz offers a cozy story of an unlikely safe haven for all.

In a San Francisco of the near future, a group of deactivated robots come back online in an abandoned kitchen after a war in which California split from the rest of the United States. Looking for a purpose, they begin to do what they do best: cook.

Before they had autonomy or options to decide their fates, they were tasked with cooking food that even they could tell was mediocre--and they can't even eat. But now they work both within and outside an upheaved system, leveraging their ability as robots to access information to figure out who owns the storefront where they've reanimated (and buy it), then optimizing their ability to make objectively delicious, appealing food for humans--while turning profits that buy freedom for those of them stuck in employment serfdom.

The robots suffer from prejudice and bear the brunt of fear-mongering from much of society. But they manage to touch the lives of those in their neighborhood looking for reliable, high-quality food by producing the best (robot-) hand-pulled noodles around and offering a charming takeout storefront. When a series of vindictive, one-star reviews threaten their business, they must figure out who has it in for them and why. Being pushed to their limits calls for exceptional sleuthing, creativity, and efficiency. Without fear of ruin, each of them wouldn't so fully embrace their roles and abilities, bond as deeply--nor create the safe haven for humans and robots alike that is a gift to all.

I love a science-fiction story in which elements of humanity are explored, I love an alternate-history tale, and I love a chosen-family element. Newitz provides all three in a cozy story that charmed me through both funny and poignant moments. This was sweet and strange, and I really liked it.

I received a prepublication edition of this title, published August 5, courtesy of NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group.

More about the Author

Annalee Newitz is also the author of The Terraformers, Autonomous, The Future of Another Timeline, and other books.