by Michel Faber
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Published: 2014
Publisher: Hogarth
Genre: SciFi, Spirituality
Hardback: 512 pages
Rating: 4.5
It begins with Peter, a devoted man of faith, as he is called to the mission of a lifetime, one that takes him galaxies away from his wife, Bea. Peter becomes immersed in the mysteries of an astonishing new environment, overseen by an enigmatic corporation known only as USIC. His work introduces him to a seemingly friendly native population struggling with a dangerous illness and hungry for Peter’s teachings—his Bible is their “book of strange new things.” But Peter is rattled when Bea’s letters from home become increasingly desperate: typhoons and earthquakes are devastating whole countries, and governments are crumbling. Bea’s faith, once the guiding light of their lives, begins to falter.
Suddenly, a separation measured by an otherworldly distance, and defined both by one newly discovered world and another in a state of collapse, is threatened by an ever-widening gulf that is much less quantifiable. While Peter is reconciling the needs of his congregation with the desires of his strange employer, Bea is struggling for survival. Their trials lay bare a profound meditation on faith, love tested beyond endurance, and our responsibility to those closest to us.
My two-bits:
There were touching moments in regards to long distance relationships whether on another city, country or planet the issues that arise are the same.
Feelings of loss, grief and hope are presented so well that are cause for pause while reading this story for both human and alien beings.
But the biggest take away for me from this book was in regards to connections - making connections and maintaining connections with others.
* added this to my Bookish Bingo challenge - square: Over 400 pages
