Chris Hayward

An endearing outlier, Brian lives alone in a Welsh valley, inventing oddball contraptions that seldom work. After finding a discarded mannequin head, Brian gets an idea. Three days, a washing machine, and sundry spare parts later, he’s invented Charles, an artificially intelligent robot who learns English from a dictionary and proves a charming, cheeky companion. Before long, however, Charles also develops autonomy. Intrigued by the wider world — or whatever lies beyond the cottage where Brian has hidden him away — Charles craves adventure.

Clark Cart holds a book club meeting for the people of Hamsbury exclusively to discuss books written by himself.

A lonely farmer and his droll yet excitable robot companion.

Two hapless British geeks wake up in New York City only to find that the entire human race has vanished.