ISBN: 0-812-57136-3 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com
An enjoyable, original novel of an average, decent man thrust into a very unusual position, with warm description of the main characters, and fable-like in its moral conclusions.
Reviewed by David on June 13, 1998
Synopsis: A typical suburbanite suddenly and mysteriously receives the power of almost unlimited telepathy—ability to detect and even change the thoughts of others. His initial glee turns to horror when he finds that he cannot avoid manipulating others—even his children. Determined to save his family and friends from becoming the victims of his influence, he runs away and becomes an outcast. The novel describes his recovery, and his struggle with the source of his god-like power.
Short Review: Rob Lewis is a pretty typical middle-class programmer who suddenly finds himself able to detect, and then influence the thoughts around him. When he finds that he can accidentally kill people, and override his own children's minds with his thoughts, he runs away from home and becomes a derelict in New York City. Living almost like an animal, his powers used to keep alive, he finally reaches the moral nadir and starts to climb up. An accidentally met scientist tries to help him quantify and control his gift, but they have little success until a mysterious and powerful message suggests that the source of the telepathy lies in remote Uzbekistan in Central Asia.
The subsequent travel to an ancient archeological dig, and their discovery of the origins of the power become almost fairy tale-like. Having spent a number of years in Uzbekistan, I found that portion of the travelogue rather far from reality, but the plot doesn't suffer much—only the backdrop for the struggle is needed.
The ending is satisfying and full of hope. The book is rather original, using some of humanity's oldest recorded myths. The main character and his friend are well defined, and their arguments and adventures enliven the book.
The novel is entertaining and enjoyable. There is a playful quality to the plot, but the fundamental assumption of human decency shines through both the light and the sad moments.
Overall: 6.5; Plot: 6; Characters: 7; Style: 6; World-building: 4; Originality: 7;
Copyright date 1997, Tor, March 1997, Mass-market, 287 pages
ISBN: 0-812-57136-3 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com