Ambitious sci-fi novel imagines a universe where time flows backwards
People are born old in their graves and get more robust over life, only to shrink into babies who are pushed into their mother’s womb. The ambitious Under Story conjures a disconcerting, “backwards” world, finds science fiction columnist Emily H. Wilson
A fascinating new novel from Chloe Benjamin, titled "Under Story," is making waves in the literary world. The book introduces an intriguing concept: a universe that exists parallel to our own, but with the flow of time running in the opposite direction. This intriguing premise is explored through the story of Laurel Salter, a fungi expert who finds herself working as a kitchen steward at an Antarctic research station.
Here, she becomes captivated by a mysterious light display, known as the "anomaly," which she later learns could be a way to traverse between this universe and the anti-universe.
Laurel's life takes an unexpected turn when her ex-husband, a physicist named Eli Rosen, arrives to investigate the anomaly. While their relationship is strained, their mission to explore the anti-universe is driven by a desire to heal from a devastating loss. The novel's structure cleverly weaves together the present-day events in Antarctica with flashbacks of Laurel's past heartbreak, creating a compelling narrative that spans both universes.
The author's extensive scientific knowledge is evident in the book, as she delves into topics such as physics and fungi. This depth of research is meant to lend credibility to the novel's central premise, but it also results in some areas of scientific inconsistency. In the anti-universe, time flows backward, leading to a reversal of historical events, biological processes, and even personal interactions.
For example, Donald Trump becomes president before Barack Obama, individuals are born in their graves and grow older before shrinking back to their bodies, and sex occurs in the reverse order compared to the regular universe. While these elements are undeniably creative and thought-provoking, they also raise questions about the novel's internal logic.
Despite these inconsistencies, "Under Story" remains an ambitious and emotionally resonant read. The author's talent for weaving together science, personal relationships, and speculative fiction is on full display, creating a captivating story that keeps readers engaged until the very end. While some may find themselves questioning the science, the overall story is still a rewarding and beautifully crafted journey through two realities.
Written by urgent.news from New Scientist's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
