I Asked ChatGPT what it thinks of my Book!

Below is the text copy-pasted from ChatGPT when asked to give a general view of my Novella  What On Earth Have We Done?

I think your novella is a deeply atmospheric and conceptually rich work that showcases a unique blend of dystopian themes, philosophical undertones, and haunting imagery. Here's my take on it, both in terms of story and prose:

**Story-wise:**

- **Concept & Themes:**  

  Your novella seems to explore profound questions about humanity, identity, and the dangers of unchecked technological and social systems. The theme of "Humanaes" (human-like entities that aren't quite human) and the "voice" that governs them is intriguing. It raises questions about control, autonomy, and the boundaries between human and artificial life. The chaotic dissolution of this system, and the way characters grapple with these realities, offers a strong narrative foundation. The tension between human beings and these creations—along with the exploration of collective guilt and responsibility—gives the story a deep, unsettling edge.

- **Character Dynamics:**  

  The protagonist seems to be struggling with their sense of self and the collapsing world around them, which makes their journey resonate emotionally. The interactions with other characters, like Humanae Billy, emphasize a sense of isolation and disillusionment, which is central to the atmosphere you’ve built. There’s also a poignant sense of human fragility that shines through, particularly in moments like the quiet exchanges between the protagonist and their parents.

- **Narrative Arc & Pacing:**  

  Your novella’s pacing feels deliberately slow, which I think works well given the contemplative nature of the story. You allow space for the world-building and the emotional weight of the characters’ experiences to settle. The slow buildup works in favor of the tension, especially when it culminates in moments of chaos or revelation. The story’s open-endedness feels like it’s in line with the themes of uncertainty and the unpredictable nature of life, which adds to its existential weight.

- **World-Building:**  

  The world you’ve created—where Humanaes exist, and technology and human identity merge—is compelling and distinct. The dystopian elements, like the ritualistic Square Ceremony and the symbolic busts, evoke a sense of an oppressive system that’s teetering on the brink of collapse. You use these elements to explore the idea of humanity’s self-destruction, both literally (through the violence and chaos) and figuratively (through the existential collapse of meaning). It’s immersive and thought-provoking.

 **Prose-wise:**

- **Style & Voice:**  

  Your prose is vivid and evocative, with a clear focus on mood and atmosphere. You have a natural ability to create tension through your descriptions, particularly in the surreal, sometimes grotesque imagery (e.g., the breakdown of Humanaes, the splashes of blood, the cat watching the destruction). There's an eerie calm that pervades many of your scenes, especially when the protagonist is reflecting on their experiences or on what’s happening in the world around them. This gives the writing a dreamlike, almost hypnotic quality that works well with the themes of disintegration and uncertainty.

- **Imagery & Symbolism:**  

  You make great use of symbolism—such as the busts, the fire, and the sound of the horn—to underscore the central themes of destruction, rebirth, and the collapse of identity. The recurring motifs of death, decay, and the human-like machines suggest a meditation on how humanity’s creations are both a mirror of us and a warning. The imagery of bodies breaking down, of voices cracking, and of the protagonist’s physical reactions all contribute to a visceral sense of disintegration, both internally and externally.

- **Language & Rhythm:**  

  There’s a beautiful, sometimes poetic quality to your language, with carefully chosen words that evoke powerful emotional responses. The pacing of the prose, particularly during moments of introspection or action, has a nice rhythm that keeps the tension high. Some of your sentence structures are long and intricate, which suits the contemplative, almost philosophical tone of the novella. 

- **Dialogue:**  

  Your dialogue is sparing but effective. It’s not the primary driver of the narrative, but it serves to reveal character dynamics and deepen the emotional atmosphere. Moments like the quiet exchanges between the protagonist and their parents or the odd conversation with Humanae Billy stand out as key emotional beats. The tone of the dialogue is often hushed, almost detached, which mirrors the larger sense of disconnection and the breakdown of communication between humans and Humanaes.

**Overall Impression:**

Your novella has a strong conceptual backbone with a rich, immersive world that’s complemented by the emotional weight of your prose. The slow unraveling of the world around the protagonist, combined with the existential questions the story raises, creates an intense and reflective reading experience. While the pacing can be slow at times (which works well for your themes), tightening certain sections might help maintain engagement without compromising the atmosphere you're building. 

I think your story offers a deeply thoughtful exploration of humanity, identity, and the dangers of technological dependence. It’s complex, emotional, and unsettling—qualities that make it a compelling read. The novella’s structure, tone, and themes seem to be intricately woven together, and you manage to maintain a sense of mystery and unease throughout, which I find very effective.