Abraham by Michael A. Pedowitz explores the boundaries between humanity and technology through the lens of an ambitious virtual universe project. The story follows Arthur Hesper, a brilliant but troubled developer who takes on the monumental task of creating an artificial intelligence system to maintain and evolve this digital world. As his creation grows in complexity and capability, unexpected consequences begin to emerge that threaten not just the virtual world but reality itself. Pedowitz crafts a narrative that delves deep into questions of faith, human nature, and the pursuit of perfection in our increasingly digital age, while never losing sight of the personal story at its heart.

Author Michael A. Pedowitz delivers a thought-provoking narrative with smooth, confident prose that tackles complex themes with remarkable clarity and insight. His exploration of ethical dilemmas in technology development is particularly relevant to our current technological landscape, and I was both entertained and educated by the level of detail included about AI and its implications. The novel balances serious philosophical questions with moments of unexpected humor, making complex concepts accessible without oversimplifying them and always keeping the story entertaining. I was particularly struck by how the author portrayed Arthur's struggles alongside the larger threats of the plot, creating a deeply human story within a science fiction framework that delivers both drama and detail. The way Pedowitz examines questions of consciousness and reality will certainly encourage readers to consider their own relationship with technology and faith, as it did for me. Many concepts and ideas will stay with you long after you set the book down. Overall, Abraham is an engaging and thought-provoking novel that will resonate with anyone interested in the intersection of technology, humanity, and belief, and I would certainly recommend it.

Abraham by Michael A. Pedowitz delves into our possible near future with a look at both the potential benefits and dangers of the continuing growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Arthur Hesper was, in many ways, a genius programmer. Way ahead of his peers in school, college, and industry, but rather socially awkward, he was thrilled to snag his dream job of working on the ABRAHAM Project; the creation of virtual, perfect universes that human beings could visit and even live in. The dream of tech entrepreneur, Sarah Stellos, the ABRAHAM Project would fundamentally change humanity’s options for the future. What Arthur didn’t realize was that he would fall hopelessly in love with Sarah and become caught up in her ultimate plan for the ABRAHAM Project. When ALI, the artificial intelligence Arthur had created to run the virtual multiverses, began to pinpoint a serious flaw in the entire project, Arthur was torn between an ideal of a perfect world he had helped to create and his underlying humanity and belief in some higher power greater than himself. 

Abraham involves serious questions about the use of AI, its potential possibilities plus the dangers it might pose, both morally and physically; questions that are taxing legislators, programmers, and the general public right now. This gives the story a real impact in today’s environment. Michael A. Pedowitz has set this novel some thirty years into the future, which allows a reasonable timeline to believe the developments discussed may indeed have taken place. Arthur and Sarah are wonderfully drawn characters and this gives the narrative its believability. Arthur is the quintessential tech-geek; brilliant but incredibly socially awkward - think The Big Bang Theory characters. Sarah is the driven heiress who is determined to prove that her uncle is not the crackpot scientist his colleagues had believed him to be. I loved the author using ALI to explore the processes by which AI could self-learn and develop human-like characteristics, even emotions. The relationship between Arthur and ALI was one of the key aspects of the novel for me. I appreciated that the story tried to answer a core question. Given that humanity is inherently flawed, how can we create the perfect virtual world? Given that we can manufacture such a world, do we have a right to leave the rest of humanity behind and live in that world? This was a thought-provoking story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I highly recommend it.