Ivy is literally the innocent in the story, and it is up to the reader to fill in some of the blanks.Īs the relationship between Sarah and Ivy develops, so does the tension - between them, but also between androids and the rest of society. The reader has to understand what Ivy does not all the subtle ways that people communicate, the body language and turns of phrase. Whilst not a difficult read, it contains a lot of inference which makes it more challenging. There is something a bit creepy about the Troofriend and yet as it is written in the first person by Ivy herself, it is also a story of growing awareness and self. It is also about relationships, both within the family and with friends. It touches upon what makes us human and whether androids could ever be considered sentient life. It is entirely different but an excellent and thought-provoking read. Having really enjoyed The Middler by Kirsty Applebaum, I was looking forward to reading this one. But if that is the case, why does she covet Sarah's belongings and why is she scared of the dark? Ivy is programmed to be the perfect friend for your child she won't lie, steal or bully, programmed only for fun and goodness. Sarah would rather have a dog but she accepts the Troofriend, who she calls Ivy. It is not just any old android either but the Jensen and Jensen Troofriend 560 Mark IV. In Troofriend, Sarah is not overjoyed when her busy parents get her an android to be her friend. A well deserved 5 stars from me.Ģ24 pages / Reviewed by Carol Wright, school librarian

I am looking forward to reading the other novels by this author. I tried to slow down my reading to make it last, but I just couldn’t stop turning the pages. Troofriend is a thought-provoking read that I really couldn’t put down. Could Ivy be experiencing human like qualities?

Soon after the family take delivery of the Troofriend, it becomes apparent that the android is malfunctioning. The story is told by the AI, Ivy, who names and explores emotions by looking at body language and tone of voice and gives her very literal point of view on the world around her.

Meanwhile, there are confusing demonstrations at the factory where the Troofriend was produced, about androids rights. At first, Sarah is not really interested in the new friend her parents have bought her, until she realises this may be a way to make real friends at school. Sarah’s parents, like many others, buy their daughter a 560 mark IV Troofriend as an AI friend.

TrooFriend by Kirsty Applebaum