Reviews

When We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamín Labatut

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pfwhitman's review against another edition

dark informative medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

After having read The Maniac, I ran to get his first novel. I can't really explain what it is about Labatut's prose that makes it so enthralling. Most likely it's his choices of historical figures and their difficulty with the pursuit of knowledge that make it so interesting. This book is 4 chapters concentrating on scientific geniuses and their mental struggles as they pursue the unknown in atomic physics and the unseeable math that controls everything we do. A final chapter that threads them all together is the perfect end.

johnbittles's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark informative mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

A novella and a collection of short stories from the author of The Maniac. Each story is based on true facts concerning real scientists or mathematicians. The writing is deep, full of facts and theories and is a challenging and intellectual read. It is also thrilling, profound and, at times, utterly brilliant. With his prose Benjamin Labatut brings the world of quantum mechanics to life in disturbing yet wonderful ways. This will have me thinking and pondering for quite a while.