Customer Reviews

Truth Machine

5 star:		(210)
4 star:		(29)
3 star:		(17)
2 star:		(23)
1 star:		(33)

 

 

James Halperin's debut science fiction novel, "The Truth Machine", is an amazing achievement. It is a story so grand and sweeping in its scale that it gives Clarke's "Childhood's End" and Haldeman's "Forever War" strong competition for the greatest novel written about Earth's future. What sets it apart from those two books, though, is how it only requires a leap of faith regarding scientific advances to imagining the future "The Truth Machine" realizes, as opposed to alien intervention affecting the futures in the "Childhood's End" and "Forever War". The author, Halperin, is Harvard educated posits fascinating theories about perilous future of Earth and how the events in this book helped avoid it.

"The Truth Machine" has been termed "'1984' for our generation". While there are similarities, each book takes a decidedly different view of people having absolute knowledge and no privacy. "1984" is about how the government controls the populace through the use of `big brother', a system with which none of the country's citizens are safe from government surveillance and manipulation. This dark view is contrasted dramatically by Halperin's much more positive view of full disclosure and the methods of achieving it.

"The Truth Machine" primarily focuses on the life story of Randall Peterson "Pete" Armstrong, a child prodigy with total recall memory, whose entire life's outlook has been defined the tragic murder of his younger brother, Leonard, by an ex-convict who was believed to be capable of committing violent crimes again, but could not be imprisoned any longer under the current law structure. Pete is committed to making a difference for humanity that will atone for his brother's death and help millions of others, too. In his first year at Harvard (at just age 13!), Pete is recruited to enroll in a small, but exclusive, class of the brightest and most agile students on campus. In that class, he meets people and establishes friendships that will further his identity. It is there that the idea of a `truth machine' is conceived and Pete realizes that its existence is possible and that he could do it. The `truth machine' would be a mechanism that would be 100% accurate in determining if a person was lying or telling the truth. It could help eliminate crime and dishonesty in general. As long as it is employed universally (and not just by government officials), the `truth machine' could revolutionize humanity and take it to that next evolutionary step which would help it avert its coming self-destruction.

The premise is fascinating and, had it just focused on the development and application of the `truth machine', this would have been a very solid book. However, "The Truth Machine" achieves transcendence by becoming a social history of our future. Over 60 years of time and events are covered in this novel. Halperin realizes that the company Pete established to design the `truth machine', Armstrong Technologies Inc. (ATI), will have to produce other products in order to keep functioning during the two decade quest to develop its premier product. Halperin skillfully depicts the formative years of ATI, its development, and the development and growth of the principle people involved. Halperin also frames each of the story's events masterfully by beginning each chapter with a brief synopsis of world events at that particular point in time. It enables the reader to put this future into a proper context and understand the urgency and importance that creating the `truth machine' possesses.

What would the impact of such a machine be? Halperin makes that case that it will help usher the world into period of unprecedented peace and prosperity. The future is too variable to predict, but dangers and benefits of the future put forth in "The Truth Machine" are dealt with equally and fairly. This vision for the future is a remarkable and inspiring one and the journey to get there is rich and full. Few books are as satisfying.

This book is my favorite type of speculative fiction. It's a story about something that completely changes the way the world works. All the variables are redefined, and the characters are forced to adjust accordingly. Books of this nature always seem to be the ones I enjoy most -- perhaps because I love the thoughts they spawn and the philosophies they help me to form. Before reading _The Truth Machine_, I was awestruck by two other novels, _Replay_ by Ken Grimwood, and _Jumper_ by Steven Gould. Coincidentally, all three of these novels were written by first-time authors, just like James Halperin.

Character development in books of this type is one of the most important elements, and I was very pleased that even though there are quite a few major characters in _The Truth Machine_, Halperin managed to develop each one in great detail. I was able to anticipate and understand the thoughts and actions of the characters, which is a certain indicator that they were very well-developed.

I also found the writing style to be very enjoyable. One of the reviews here criticized the style, although I can't quite see why. I found it to be an excellent balance between ease of reading and complexity of the ideas expressed. The computer's narration and the occasional footnotes made it even more enjoyable.

In terms of plot, I couldn't have been more pleased. The plot was very solid and moved fast enough to keep me interested, yet slow enough that all the interesting details were relayed. I was even more impressed with the predictions however, as I'll bet many people are. Excepting a few minor cases that I'd disagree with merely because I tend to be slightly more of a pessimist than an optimist, the predictions, and even the dates, seemed so realistic that I almost found myself thinking that this book was, in fact, an actual historical document.

Like the other two books I mentioned, _The Truth Machine_ has provided me with truckloads of thought fertilizer, and I honestly believe (no pun!) that I will think about life somewhat differently now that I've read it. Even now, I find myself analyzing my words to make sure I'm being as truthful as possible in relating my opinions of the book! I think I've been completely honest, but an ACIP probably wouldn't hurt things. ;)

I'll be taking a few nights off for some much-needed rest, and then I'll start on _The First Immortal_ right away. I can't wait to see what *it* does to my thoughts.

What could have been a great, great book ended up as a major dissapointment. The concept that Halperin explores is quite interesting -- that of a truth machine that binds everybody to not lie -- but, as other reviewers have stated, the environment he creates around that concept seems unrealistic and bland at best.
None of the characters are really likeable, and what may be worse, none are hateable either, so they never really catch your interest.
At the end I was left with a void, as if of a promise unfulfilled...

People claim that this book is incredibly prophetic. I dunno, perhaps it is, perhaps it isn't, but I do think that this book places much more faith in mankind when placed in the "truth machine" situation than I would.

But the point of a fiction book is not to tell the future, or be 100 percent factual. That is why it is called fiction.

Look past all of that, and you've got yourself an interesting book. The notion of a truth machine is a tantalizing one, and that's what drew me to the book, the title. As it turns out, Halperin does a better than decent job at tackling the issue, with interesting characters, and a story line that will keep you reading. I guess I just think you could get more out of this topic. Maybe not.

Anyway, this is an overly decent book, and I do recommend reading it.

I will say what I view as the most important things about it first. Bring a fresh approach to this novel if you decide to read it. Note the "warning" inherent in the prologue page which tells us that a computer wrote the book. For the most part, don't expect 1984 or Stranger In A Strange Land in terms of the brilliant writing skills of the author or the engaging nature of his characterizations. This is not that kind of book.

It is, however, a very engaging and successful novel in its own way. I first read it in 1996, after finding it in a yard sale full of books. Someone wanted either to share it or get rid of it; and judging by the disparity of the reviews published here, that's a fair representation of readers' responses.

I am amazed that, even though I read The Truth Machine a decade ago, I still remember it almost as vividly as if I'd read it last month! The thought-provoking nature of this novel is indeed what recommends it most highly -- or should, even if in the end one dislikes it, the author, or his conclusions.

I am 57 years old and have read science fiction and other "speculative" works since I was in grade school. The Truth Machine is unlike any other novel, and that, too, ought to recommend it to anyone who enjoys seeing what a first-time novelist came up with on the significant subject he tackled.

So in summary, the reason I believe this book is well worth the time spent reading it is that almost anyone should be able to come away from it with his own "speculative" juices flowing. To me, it was a jumping off point rather than a compilation of specific ideas, though I readily admit others might not see it that way.

If you enjoy a book that makes you *think* all the while you're reading it, and then recall it afterward for years with a broadened perspective and an urge toward contemplation of human societal issues, then I believe you would like The Truth Machine. You might not agree with many of Halperin's ideas and suggestions, especially the political ones. But shouldn't everyone appreciate having his choices of values challenged, if only to confirm them to himself?

So many of the reviews written seem to be totally missing the point of the book, merely criticizing Halperin on his "futuristic predictions". I found these predictions to be though-provoking, but they were not the reason for the book. I think they were the "cream" that added to the "Hmmmm Factor" of the novel. In no way did I think he was tring to be a Nostrodamus, just giving us items to think about, which were based on some sort of factual information or research which he references in the appendix of the book. And I'm sorry, science fiction? No, that would be a very wrong assumption. And that Halperin's characters seem to be the "best" at what they do? Considering the plot, they have to be, the main character is the one who invented the Truth Machine.

What I read in the book was a plot that was Greek Tragedy in nature, the struggle of a highly intelligent man and his invention. The dark temptation of man, even those men that are intelligent. This coupled with the final payment for his sins. A very hard struggle indeed.

This is to be considered in the ranks of 1984 and Brave New World in that it takes a look at the future. But Halperin doesn't base the book on just his predictions. They are mere crumbs on the plate of human character and struggle. If the crumbs are all you are seeing, someone else ate the toast. Take the "futureistic" colored glasses off and read the book for the plot and struggle with a new technology that would, if invented, completely change the world. Goverments would change, people would change, the whole world would change. Halperin made me stop and actually think, instead of spoon feeding me. A great read.

I read this when it first came out - what? 15 years ago? Wow! So I was 25. Terrific book. Entertaining and thought provoking. I've seen reviews that are less than favorable. To them I would say: "you're looking for too much meaning". Read it. Don't over analyze it or pick it apart. Just enjoy. Lost my hardbound copy by lending it out. I imagine it is well travelled by now - at least I sure hope so. I recommended The Truth Machine to a friend just a few weeks ago and just learned that it will be going to the big screen via Lion's Gate. I think it will translate well.

James Halperin's impressive vision of the future "The Truth Machine" is structured in an unusual format. It is primarily narrated by a computer, the Intel 22g CP-TLMos. This thought provoking novel is a treatise on world history commencing in 1991 until 2052 as seen through the eyes of 2 main characters, Randall "Pete" Petersen Armstrong and David West. Each chapter begins with a brief review of current events which signal a world which is becoming more uncontrolled and vicious.

West and Armstrong forge a close lifetime friendship which initiates as roommates at Harvard University. West a handsome, cerebral Texas schoolboy was a star athlete. He was noticed and sponsored for admission to Harvard by the CEO of a large electronics firm. Armstrong gained admittance as an unparalleled 12 year old genius with total recall. As a result of the tragic killing of Pete's younger brother Leonard, an association began with a sympathetic FBI agent, Marjorie Ann Tilly. Pete, a computer whiz, helped Tilly design some revolutionary software for the FBI. It soon became apparent that Pete's high level of intelligence and aptitude in computer software design was unsurpassed even at his tender age.

As both West and Armstrong's reputations grew in college, they were both invited to take the celebrated Professor Gaddis' Theology as Social Science course which was by invitation only. Gaddis encouraged only the finest student minds on campus to discuss world events. In 2003 the level of violence in the world had reached epic proportions. A Swift and Sure Crime Bill is proposed. It will allow a fair trial for violent crimes and one quick appeal followed by immediate execution. The students of the class proposed the creation of a truth machine which would be 100 percent accurate in detecting lies to enforce laws and keep mankind from ultimately destroying itself. Pete Armstrong actually believed that with his software design accumen, he can make it's construction a reality within 20 years.

The book proceeds mostly focusing on Armstrong's formation of the ATI Corporation, which while focusing on the evolution of the Truth Machine, developes an extensive array for software designed for the betterment of the world. ATI becomes the world's most profitable company and Armstrong the richest man in human history. With West, now a lawyer who has entered the political arena, at his side, they are among the most powerful men on the planet.

While building the Truth Machine, unpredictable circumstances force Pete Armstrong, the only human capable of bypassing the scrutiny of the machine, to perpetrate a fraud. This would be kept hidden for 25 years. When it finally became revealed, Pete would face judgement as the novel concludes.

Halperin raises many perplexing issues as he formulates his perception of the future. His well conceived solutions are both sensible and noteworthy. In fact, a truth machine might represent our ultimate salvation.

This book is agood choice for book clubs, as it stirs up real questions. The book is highly readable, with a few stylistic warts that critically-minded book club participants will enjoy identifying. But the real reason it makes a good book club choice is the power of its premise. We are losing privacy at an accelerating rate -- is this a good thing or a bad thing? This well-done speculative fiction takes the question to its extreme in order to explore the theme -- but the trend is sufficiently important in daily life that this book isn't as far-out as some science fiction.

I thought this book was a very good read but I was astonished to find that it was so incredibly close in theme and content to a book I read a few years ago. "The Lidek Revolution," by James Stark was written five years prior to "The Truth Machine." It was a bit repetative considering Stark's book was so good.