T. J. Klune's In the Lives of Puppets showcases a captivating blend of heart and humor, telling a unique tale of robots and human connection. Readers praise its emotional depth and creative world-building, though some find its pacing uneven. The novel's charm and originality, however, largely outweigh any minor drawbacks.

Readers who cherish heartfelt, whimsical tales with unique twists will delight in T.J. Klune's In the Lives of Puppets. Fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Night Circus will find it particularly enchanting, as it combines charming characters, magical realism, and a profound exploration of identity and belonging.

In the Lives of Puppets by T. J. Klune is an adult science fiction novel that follows Victor Lawson, a 21-year-old human inventor raised by the android Giovanni. When Victor discovers and repairs a mysterious android named Hap, Giovanni's past threatens their existence, prompting Victor to embark on a perilous quest to save his mechanical family. The novel explores themes of free will, love, and human nature.

Fantastical / Emotional / Heartwarming / Humorous / Adventurous

**Victor Lawson**  
An inventive and empathetic 21-year-old with a deep love for creation, particularly artificial hearts. He was raised in isolation by his father, Giovanni, and is driven by a strong desire to fix what is broken.

**Giovanni Lawson**  
Victor's loving and creative android father, characterized by his paternal kindliness and a guilt-ridden past. He played a pivotal role in creating the dystopian world by building the Human Annihilation Response Protocol.

**Hap**  
An irritable but protective android who becomes Victor's love interest. Initially built as a machine for destruction, he undergoes significant changes, revealing a selfless and protective nature.

**Nurse Ratched**  
A five-foot-tall medical android with a penchant for sadistic humor, particularly towards Rambo. Despite her menacing persona, she provides unwavering support to Victor as both a nurse and a friend.

**Rambo**  
An affectionate and timid vacuum-turned-companion who provides comic relief through his fears. His deep care for Victor and friends offers encouragement and plays an essential role in the plot's resolution.

T. J. Klune

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Study Guide

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Overview

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In the Lives of Puppets Summary and Study Guide

Background

In the Lives of Puppets Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Forest”

Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 6

In the Lives of Puppets Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 7-12

In the Lives of Puppets Part 1, Chapters 7-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Journey”

Part 2, Chapters 13-17

In the Lives of Puppets Part 2, Chapters 13-17 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The City”

Part 3, Chapters 18-21

In the Lives of Puppets Part 3, Chapters 18-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapter 22-Part 4

In the Lives of Puppets Part 3, Chapter 22-Part 4 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

In the Lives of Puppets Character Analysis

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Themes

In the Lives of Puppets Themes

Symbols & Motifs

In the Lives of Puppets Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

In the Lives of Puppets Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

In the Lives of Puppets Essay Topics

In the Lives of Puppets

Before You Read

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