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There are currently 39 member reviews
for The Book of Strange New Things
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Peggy H. (North East, PA)
Taken to another world
I have to say, once I got into this book, I found it hard to put it down. I became immersed in the alien world, and wondered at all that was going on "back at home." I hurried to the end to find out what happened...but was disappointed. The ending was probably realistic, but not satisfying. Quite a commentary on the state of the world! A bit depressing...
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Anna S. (Auburn, AL)
The Book of Strange New Things
Beautifully written, The Book of Strange New Things is difficult to categorize but ultimately it is a story of love transcending the boundaries of time and space. Peter, a Christian missionary to natives on a VERY distant planet, must choose between the love he has for the natives of Oasis and the love he has for his wife back on Earth. The choice, obviously, is not n easy one and Peter's struggles with it are heartfelt. I gave it a 4 instead of a 5 because it took so long to develop.
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Nancy O. (Hobe Sound, FL)
definitely recommended
Once I started this book, I was really annoyed when I had to leave it to attend to the real world -- it's that good. What really stuck out for me in this novel is the idea of distance - and whether or not distance can become so great that it can still be conquered. Getting to Oasis, for example, Peter literally leaps into the void with the use of technology, and once there, technology provides for most needs at the station. Peter and his wife Bea are not only separated by time and space, but as Peter becomes deeply immersed in his mission and works hard to bridge the gaps between himself and the indigenous people on Oasis, the emotional distance between himself and Bea as a couple starts to grow. There are many, many more examples that illustrate this idea, (one of the most intriguing of these is how he gradually becomes disconnected even from the people at the station ( USIC) - ) but I'll leave those to the reader.
I love the framing for this book, setting it on another planet entirely, since it puts the idea of distance into sharp perspective. The writing is engaging, the story beyond compelling. This is definitely a book I'd encourage a group to read (I'll be adding it to the list for my book group) -- there is so much here -- the dystopian element, the breakdown of civility at a time when people should be pulling together, contact between cultures and bridging the distance between them, the bonds that keep people together, and more. It's a successful book and works on a number of levels.
I will say that unlike others who've read this novel though, I didn't think that this novel reflected either a pro-Christian or anti-Christian stance -- I realize people will see what they want to see, but from my pov, I didn't pick up a vibe either way.
I'll definitely and highly recommend this book -- it's good for readers of dystopia, for those who are interested in human nature when it is tested beyond its limits, and for those who just appreciate good writing, a very good story and the leaps of faith people must take in their life journeys.
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Elizabeth P. (Lake Elmo, MN)
Very Interesting Read
One of the most interesting books I've ever encountered, but I alternated between loving and hating this book. It is difficult to even succinctly describe my thoughts on it! Ultimately I think this is a well written and thought provoking take on relationships, the meaning and purpose of life, and what is or isn't worth fighting for - that makes it worthy of 4 stars. On a personal level, I was dis-satisfied with several important elements (lack of resolution of certain plot points, distractions that never led anywhere) & my emotional connection with the characters was elusive. Incredibly well written, just not my style. I think this is a book for serious literature readers/serious book clubs. Not light and fluffy, and not for the lovers of best sellers. Enjoyed reading to review though - thank you!
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Priscilla M. (Houston, TX)
Strange new things is an accurate description
This hefty book is less about science fiction than it is about relationships.Yes, most of the action does take place on another planet, but that is not the real focus of the book. Peter is sent to minister to the Oasans, the inhabitants of a planet being colonized ostensibly for mining and exploration. He isn't sure why he is chosen or what he is expected to do. The story is told in a slow, contemplative style, giving the reader plenty of time to discover who Peter is and what makes him tick, as well as the rest of the crew and the Oasans. We see Peter start to lose himself as he immerses in the culture of Oasis, teaching them the Bible, known to the Oasans as the Book of Strange New Things. While we can see and hear Peter's thoughts and musings, we only get to read about his wife in her almost daily letters to him. Her world is falling apart as Peter's is seeming to come together, and this is the tension on the story. I wish I could have known more about Bea, which is why I did not give the book five stars. I did enjoy it. The writing is excellent, and the reader is made to feel for the characters and the problems associated with distance, relationships, and faith. There are mysteries on the planet of Oasis, not all of which are understood or solved.
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Carole A. (Denver, CO)
It was a Strange New Thing for me!
It was a strange new thing for me to actually read and enjoy science fiction/fantasy novel. My husband is an AVID science fiction devotee and so over the years I have tried on several occasions to read at least one beyond the first chapter. This was a first. Initially - first chapter - I thought "oh no", BUT Faber kept me interested and pulled me thru eagerly. I feel as though I will actually read it again and discover more. The concept of space travel and discovery of another civilization which while different from ours had their own civility coupled with the disintegration life on planet earth along with his marriage provided interesting counter plot. While I am more invested in the Old Testament I found the frequent references to the new Testament interesting. Old to New which civilizations or Bibles - there is that common thread of humanity and sameness. Bravo to Faber for a new approach. BTW - my husband is elated I read and enjoyed Science Fiction.
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Sally H. (Geneva, OH)
Strangely Compelling
I don't normally read science fiction, and this book was a slow starter for me, but it improved quickly enough to keep me interested. The main character, Pastor Peter Leigh, was unlikeable (his preachy letters to his wife were particularly annoying) and unrealistic (I know a lot of pastors, most of whom have been pastors longer than Peter, and none of them know the entire Bible by memory), and wasn't much fonder of the other characters...in fact, the Oasans were my favorites. The story sucked me in, though, and I wanted to see how it turned out, so I was a little disappointed in the ending, which leaves one hanging. But it also left me thinking, both while I was reading it and after I finished it, and for me that means the author did something right.
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