In 'The Book of Strange New Things,' Michel Faber spins a mesmerizing tale of Peter, a dedicated missionary sent to a distant planet to share his faith with an alien race. As Peter immerses himself in the strange new world and its peculiar inhabitants, he grapples with the profound distance from his wife, Bea, left on a ravaged Earth. Their correspondence unveils the stark contrast between the unfolding wonders of the alien society and the chaos of their own planet, raising questions of love, faith, and sacrifice. Themes of connection and isolation intertwine, propelling Peter into a moral quandary that challenges everything he holds dear. This thought-provoking journey blurs the lines between humanity and the unknown, beckoning readers to ponder the true cost of belief in a universe full of wonders.
By Michel Faber
Published: 2015
"We are all strangers in our own way, and sometimes it takes the unfamiliar to reveal what we truly hold dear."
A monumental, genre-defying novel that David Mitchell calls "Michel Faber’s second masterpiece," The Book of Strange New Things is a masterwork from a writer in full command of his many talents. 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. Marked by the same bravura storytelling and precise language that made The Crimson Petal and the White such an international success, The Book of Strange New Things is extraordinary, mesmerizing, and replete with emotional complexity and genuine pathos.
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“We are all strangers in our own way, and sometimes it takes the unfamiliar to reveal what we truly hold dear.”
The Book of Strange New Things
By Michel Faber
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Michel Faber is a renowned Dutch-born author known for his distinctive storytelling and lyrical prose. His most notable works include 'Under the Skin,' 'The Crimson Petal and the White,' and 'The Book of Strange New Things,' each showcasing his ability to blend elements of science fiction with deep emotional and philosophical themes. Faber's writing often explores the complexities of human relationships and the often unseen intricacies of life, attracting a diverse readership. With a background in biology, Faber's works frequently reflect a keen awareness of the natural world and its impact on human experience.
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