Title: The Book of Strange New Things
Author: Michel Faber
First published October 6, 2014
500 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780553418842 (ISBN10: 055341884X)
Rating: 3.66
Overview
Michel Faber’s The Book of Strange New Things is a captivating and genre-defying tale that took over a decade to create. The story follows Peter, a man of unwavering faith, who embarks on an incredible mission that takes him light-years away from his beloved wife, Bea.
Upon arriving at his destination, Peter finds himself in a world unlike any other, working for a mysterious corporation known as USIC. He soon discovers a friendly indigenous population who are grappling with a dangerous sickness, and are eager to learn from Peter’s teachings.
His Bible becomes their “book of strange new things,” and Peter becomes immersed in their culture. Yet, as Peter becomes more engrossed in his work, he receives increasingly distressing letters from home.
Bea’s faith, once as unwavering as his, is faltering as natural disasters and political turmoil threaten to tear their world apart. As the gulf between them widens, Peter must balance the needs of his congregation with those of his strange employer, while Bea fights for survival in a world on the brink of collapse.
The Book of Strange New Things is a heartrending meditation on faith, love, and the bonds that hold us together, told with the same masterful storytelling and emotional depth that made The Crimson Petal and the White an international sensation.
About the Author
Michel Faber is a talented writer who was born on April 13th, 1960 in The Hague, The Netherlands. He and his parents moved to Australia in 1967, where he attended primary and secondary school in the suburbs of Boronia and Bayswater.
Later, he went on to study a variety of subjects at the University of Melbourne. His coursework included Dutch, philosophy, rhetoric, English language, and English literature.
Michel graduated in 1980 and went on to work in various casual jobs before training to become a nurse at Marrickville and Western Suburbs hospitals in Sydney. He worked as a nurse until the mid-1990s.
In 1993, Michel, his second wife, and their family moved to Scotland, where they still reside today. Despite being Dutch, Michel writes in English and has gained recognition for his captivating fiction.
Editoral Review
Michel Faber’s The Book of Strange New Things is a compelling novel that explores themes of faith, love, identity, and the role of humanity in the universe. Faber, best known for his novel The Crimson Petal and the White, crafts a unique and intricate story that will captivate readers from start to finish.
The Book of Strange New Things follows Peter Leigh, a Christian minister who is selected by a mysterious corporation to be the new pastor for a group of beings on another planet. As he leaves his wife behind on Earth, Peter embarks on a journey that challenges him both physically and emotionally.
Along the way, he grapples with issues of faith, as the beings on the new planet share their own understanding of God and religion. Meanwhile, back on Earth, Peter’s wife is facing her own struggles, as she watches society crumble around her.
Faber’s writing is exquisite, with every sentence crafted with care and precision. The novel is filled with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the new planet, allowing them to imagine its strange terrain and inhabitants.
Establishing a sense of wonder and awe, Faber delicately balances Peter’s religious convictions with his curiosity about the creatures he meets on the alien planet. The characters in The Book of Strange New Things are complex and well-developed, with Peter and his wife Bea being particularly compelling.
Faber deftly explores their relationship, from their early days as a couple to their emotional struggles as they are physically separated. The novel also touches on larger themes of societal decay, government corruption, and ecological disaster, making it a timely and thought-provoking read.
However, there are some weaknesses in the book, most notably in the pacing. While the novel is rich in detail, it can feel slow at times, which may deter some readers.
Moreover, some of the plot elements may seem overly contrived, and the ending may leave readers wanting more closure. Despite these minor flaws, The Book of Strange New Things is a stunning work of literary fiction.
It is a thought-provoking, character-driven novel that will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page. Fans of science fiction, literary fiction, and stories of faith and morality will find much to appreciate in this novel.
Overall, The Book of Strange New Things is a beautifully written and deeply affecting novel that offers a unique exploration of faith, love, and humanity’s place in the universe. Highly recommended for readers looking for a contemplative and emotionally resonant read.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
