Community Care Review

“When AI becomes so powerful and sophisticated that humans begin to merge with

technology.”

The Laughing Robot by Julia Ross is a heartfelt, and thought-provoking novel set in the near

future, where robotic carers are being introduced into the elderly social care system. At the

centre of the story is Anna, an experienced social worker navigating a transformative chapter

of her life: a new career in social work tech, losing her beloved husband and preparing for

retirement.

Anna is first introduced to a prototype called Sambot at a conference, and later to Henry2, a

robot she unexpectedly forms a meaningful bond with. The irony of the title The Laughing

Robot hits hard. The robots have human-like characteristics: they chat, tell jokes, and can

even be tickled. But the emotional realism they create also raises deeper concerns: Can a

robot ever truly know what’s in someone’s best interest?

Exploring social issues

Ross uses this tension to explore huge social issues: power of attorney, intergenerational

living, deprivation of liberty, the stripping away of elderly people’s independence. Society

often presumes that older people can no longer advocate for themselves, they are nudged or

influenced towards certain medical treatments. The book also critiques the power structures

in social care: MPs, investors, and leaders in corporate roles making top-down decisions

based on profit, not people.

As a student social worker and like millions of people around the world, I use AI tools every

day. I use them to draft assignments, support plans or create timetables. So, while The

Laughing Robot is fictional, the technology feels strangely real. This book isn’t just

imaginative - it’s prophetic.

Ross’ writing style is conversational, fluid, and layered. Some chapters are written from the

perspectives of other characters, which gave me insight into Anna’s relationship with her

children Evelyn and Stanley. The book gave me insights into their thoughts and struggles

compared to how they presented themselves in public.

Shifting perceptions

I didn’t expect the book to highlight the generational pressure many millennials face. Evelyn

and Stanley have to deal with such as navigating the rising costs of living, unaffordable

housing, and parenthood. The book captures the burden of trying to care for others while still

struggling to build a life of your own.

What surprised me most was how much the book changed my view of adult social care. I’ve

always been focused on working with young people - my last placement was as a

safeguarding advisor in a college. But Anna’s story reminded me of how dynamic and rich

older people’s lives are - far from being mundane or “the end of the road,” their lives are

filled with decisions, aspirations, and complexities.

The final chapters were a complete emotional rollercoaster for me - unpredictable and

pushed the limits of science-fiction. The Laughing Robot is something social workers and

people outside the profession can genuinely enjoy reading, which is why I rated it 4/5 stars.

⭐ Overall Rating: ★★★★☆

Suzy is an award-winning youth advocate, social work student, BASW student ambassador

and co-chair of Youth Advisory Board and Associate Trustee of the board for The Kiyan

Prince Foundation. She creates content @socialworksurvivalfiles on Instagram to help social

work students connect with professionals and give them practical advice to navigate the

social work degree.