The Book of Strange New Things: A Novel

Michel Faber

Oct 2014 · Sold by Hogarth

About this ebook

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.

Ratings and reviews

The first half was masterfully written. Engaging, sensitive treatment of characters and story. Truly excellent literary style. But at least for my taste, I found the second half tedious, predictable and boring. And found the treatment of the story's ending too threadbare compared to the heavy-handed descriptions of "troubles at home" earlier in the story. Others might find the whole book engaging.

Not for everyone. I enjoyed it. Reminiscent of surreal sci fi movies from the late 60's or early 70's. One comes to mind, the animation, the fantastic planet.

Frustrating characters; one of the most frustrating anti climactic sci fi books I've ever read.

About the author

MICHEL FABER is the internationally bestselling and critically acclaimed author of The Crimson Petal and the White, Under the Skin—shortlisted for the Whitbread First Novel Award—and several other books. Faber has won many short story awards and his writing has appeared in Granta, The O. Henry Prize Stories, among others.  He lives in Scotland.