Every now and then, a reader emerges from a story surprised that the world around them still exists. How can the world still be turning when everything has changed? How can my house still be standing when the walls of my consciousness have been shaken this much? This book honestly changed my perspective on everything. It takes a scary premise and runs with it: What if your life branched into parallel worlds every time you made a choice?
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Author: Blake Crouch
Genre: Sci Fi / Thriller
Rating: 5/5 *****
Before I wrote this book review of Dark Matter, I reflected on why I loved this so much. If I didn’t have those pesky things called responsibilities, I would have read this book in one sitting. Dark Matter is a page-turner and one of those books that make you think. But the one thing that stands out is the psychological probing of the characters’ personalities and their relationships.
The Premise
In the author’s own words:
A brilliant physicist named Jason Dessen is living in Chicago with his wife, Daniela, and son, Charlie. He is a true genius, and while there was a point in his late twenties when his research could have made him a star in his field, he instead chose a family-focused life. One night, while walking home, he’s abducted by a mysterious masked man and injected with a drug. When he next awakes, his world has completely changed. He’s no longer married, doesn’t have a son, and has achieved professional success beyond his wildest dreams.
The main character, Jason, is happy but not ecstatic with his life. He has the smallest of niggling anxieties about whether he’s chosen the right path, whether he could have been a forerunner in his field. And if so, whether he could have been a better, happier version of himself. Don’t we all have those questions about other paths our lives could have taken? The novel explores those possibilities and many others in a thoughtful and sensitive, yet exciting way.
The Verdict
Dark Matter is a suspenseful thriller, in that it is written in a choppy style which drives the plot. The short sentences can get annoying, but they are there to serve a purpose and it works. It could also be described as speculative or science fiction as it is an exploration of parallel universes. It is a mind-blowing ride through quantum physics and alternate realities.
The story also focuses on the love story between Daniela and Jason. Personality psychology debates endlessly how much or our enduring traits are influenced by genes and how much by what we experience. In the novel, the author uses the premise that identities are shaped by the choices the characters have made and their experiences. It becomes a question of whether the characters’ would fall in love as deeply (or in fact at all) if they met at any other point in their lives.
Fans of Stephen King, Connie Willis or Philip K Dick will find something to interest them here.
Whatever Dark Matter is, I love it. I’ve been recommending it to anyone who will listen because it is ultimately a message of hope and love.
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Did you love it as much as me? What can I read next that is similar?
I love suspenseful thrillers so this is definitely a book for me. Great review.
I NEED to read this book. I’ve been seeing it around and every time I think to myself “I need to read that”. Great review. You just reminded me that I still haven’t got a copy. Off to change that…
Awesome Jo. Thanks for reading.
Ooh then you definitely need to have a read.
I agree with you! Dark Matter is a superb book! I have a post on my site that has some ideas for you to read next! I only mention it as Dark Matter was one of them! :’)
Yay – I’ll have a look.
sounds intresting
Thanks for reading. Yes highly recommended!
I am on it! Great review!
Thanks ☺
Hi Kim- Enjoyed your review. Do you enjoy reviewing books of poetry or only novels?
Hi there, I’ve got to say I’ve never reviewed a book of poetry before!
I am one of the co-founders of Indie Blu(e). Some of our member authors write novels and novellas but many are poets. If you would be interested in writing a book review or two for us, let me know! https://indieblu.net/
Okay… I’m definitely going to have to check this one out. <3 Great review!
Thanks!
Wow your review is amazing. Have added to my list.
https://lobouniverse.com/life-insights/lfl-30-how-disrespect-can-lead-to-mental-abuse/
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