Two new novels explore a world where technology has even greater access to our minds

This episode reviews two science fiction novels exploring the vulnerability of human memory and its potential exploitation by technology. Against the backdrop of this theme, the first segment features Audrey Lee's debut novel, *The Mechanics of Memory*, a psychological thriller about a woman in a mental institution undergoing questionable VR treatments that manipulate her memories. More significantly, the interview with Lee delves into the novel's central mystery—the protagonist's inability to recall her past year—and the unreliable nature of memory itself, drawing on research from cognitive psychiatrist Julia Shaw. The second half spotlights Laila Lalami's *The Dream Hotel*, which imagines a future where dreams are monitored and sold to advertisers and the government, raising concerns about surveillance and the erosion of privacy. For instance, Lalami discusses the inspiration behind her novel, citing a personal experience with a Google notification that revealed the extent of data collection on her daily activities. Ultimately, both novels serve as cautionary tales about the potential misuse of technology and its impact on individual identity and freedom, highlighting the importance of critical awareness in the digital age.