In the near future depicted in Pinsker’s book, brain-connected implants known as “Pilots” are the new standard. These implants divide society into those who have them and those who don’t since they promise improved multitasking. Focussing on the family—teachers Val and Julie, their teenage son David, and their daughter Sophie, who has epilepsy—the narrative examines how modern technology alters social structures, interpersonal connections, and personal identities.

_{Cover Image Source: amazon.com}

Emotional realism is used to depict the family:
The cautious mother Val opposes Pilots because she worries about the moral and societal consequences.
Julie, a political staffer, eventually obtains one herself after giving in to pressures at work.
David experiences unanticipated adverse effects from his implant, such as anxiety and sensory overload.
Sophie, who is medically unable to become a pilot, takes the lead in an anti-pilot campaign as the voice of discontent.

Their disparate backgrounds give rise to real conflicts—Val and Julie grow apart, David conceals his difficulties, and Sophie pushes for autonomy—all of which Pinsker depicts with compassion and subtlety.

The universe created by Pinsker is eerily realistic. The story demonstrates how technology may exacerbate preexisting disparities, from the privilege-based adoption of Pilots to institutional prejudice, such as driving exams presuming implant-aided focus. Her clear writing isn’t overly didactic; rather, it develops gradually, allowing the effects of innovation to naturally permeate daily existence.

The book’s strengths are:
Subtle emotional impact: The gadget is presented as a disruption to human connection rather than as evil.
Deep empathy: Every point of view feels completely real, whether you sympathise with Sophie’s advocacy, Julie’s ambition, David’s suffering, or Val’s resistance.
Thought-provoking observations: The narrative poses significant queries on corporate dominance, environmental injustices, handicap, and access without being overtly confrontational.

Some criticisms of the book include:
Some believe Sophie’s advocacy lacks subtlety and nuance and instead veers into caricature.

The narrative’s focus changes in the second half, which slows down certain passages and occasionally results in a “tidy” denouement that some believe undermines the story’s previous intricacy.

Some readers observe that the epilogue seems to be becoming more didactic, which can lessen the finale’s emotional impact.

We Are Satellites is an insightful, deeply moving examination of family ties and near-future technology. Its greatest strength is in demonstrating how the steady spread of innovation and its disparities, rather than sudden leaps, subtly and significantly change everyday life. This book is highly recommended if you enjoy character-driven science fiction that poses “what if…” questions about our technologically advanced future.