The Penguin Podcast is back! Listen Now
Machine Man

Machine Man

Summary

A wickedly observed, disturbing, darkly funny and surprisingly moving parable for a new tech-obsessed age by the acclaimed author of Jennifer Government.

Scientist Charles Neumann loses a leg in an industrial accident. It’s not a tragedy. It’s an opportunity. Charlie always thought his body could be better. He begins to explore a few ideas. To build parts. Better parts.

Prostheticist Lola Shanks loves a good artificial limb. In Charlie, she sees a man on his way to becoming artificial everything. But others see a madman.Or a product.Or a weapon . . .

A story for this age of pervasive technology, Machine Man is a darkly funny unravelling of one man’s quest for ultimate self-improvement.

Reviews

  • A meticulously devised, deviant little parable – once it starts, you can’t look away
    Austin Grossman, author of Soon I Will Be Invincible

About the author

Max Barry

Learn More

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more