A review by samharnold
The Ferryman by Justin Cronin

5.0

I don’t like science fiction, at least, that’s what I thought. However, seeing as this book is described as Sci-Fi, I will have to change my opinion because I loved this book.

Justin Cronin’s The Passage trilogy changed my life. Never had I read a book with such in-depth characters and world-building, so I was eager to pick up his next, The Ferryman.

This book does not disappoint. The world-building is brilliant, and I loved the collection of characters he amassed. My favourite is Thea.

When I started reading this, my first impression was it’s a modern Brave New World, and that theme follows throughout the book. Two films have similar themes. The first would be The Island, and the second; I’m not telling you because it’s a major spoiler.

Primarily, though, I believe this is a book about loss. Which is something I haven’t heard other reviewers mention.

This book is over 500 pages in typical Cronin fashion, but that doesn’t matter because you never want it to end. It is a book that will live with me for many years.

The characters, world and beautiful prose will remain a favourite for a long time.

“They open around us like the bellows of a great cosmic accordion.”

(Previously published at www.samharnold.com)