Landscape with Invisible Hand

M.T. Anderson's "Landscape with Invisible Hand" is a thought-provoking young adult science fiction novel set in 2036, where Earth has been "benevolently" taken over by the Vuvv, an alien race whose advanced technology has rendered most human jobs obsolete. Teenager Adam Campbell and his family face severe economic hardship, struggling for basic necessities. To survive, Adam and his girlfriend Chloe devise a plan to broadcast their 1950s-style dates to the Vuvv, who are fascinated by human relationships, earning them much-needed currency. However, this scheme soon strains their relationship and Adam's artistic integrity, leading to a confrontation with the Vuvv and a powerful decision about the true value of art and humanity. This book is suitable for ages 12-18, exploring themes of capitalism, exploitation, and resilience.

When the vuvv first landed, it came as a surprise to aspiring artist Adam and the rest of planet Earth--but not necessarily an unwelcome one. Can it really be called an invasion when the vuvv generously offered free advanced technology and cures for every illness imaginable? As it turns out, yes. With his parents' jobs replaced by alien tech and no money for food, clean water, or the vuvv's miraculous medicine, Adam and his girlfriend, Chloe, have to get creative to survive.