Every once in a while, you read something so stunning that it surprises you with its central theme, characters and execution in an astonishingly pleasant way. Dark Matter by Blake Crouch is one such novel which I came across this year and decided to read on an impulse. So much so that I am really looking forward to exploring his other books.
What I really liked was his ability to simplify the dominant theme of this book in a layperson manner without losing its fundamental intensity. The way he has provided nuanced details by not complicating it by using scientific jargons makes a complex subject like multiverse universe so easy to grasp.
On top of it is his humane touch and emotional rollercoaster that packs enough punches throughout the book’s timeline.
The story itself runs on a quite good steam with fast paced plot movement, limited number of characters (well at least till the last few chapters??!!) and exploring different facets of selective few locations. Thus, it provides ample scope for backstory building and character development in juxtaposition against the rapid progression of the story itself.
The story in question belongs to Jason Dessen, an erstwhile quantum physicist turned current professor of physics at a local college. He lives in a suburban neighborhood of Chicago with his wife, Daniela and their son Charlie. He and Daniela have forgone their career ambitions fifteen years ago to build a family and focus on their only child. Therefore, their individual ambitions of becoming a successful quantum physicist in case of Jason and establishing herself as a renowned visual artist in case of Daniela have been sidestepped long ago. Right now, their life is uneventful, humdrum but happy with its languid pace and routine.
But everything changes suddenly when he is abducted by a man wearing a geisha mask on a fateful night. Surprisingly, his abductor knows so much about him up until last ten-fifteen years. Alas, Jason never gets an opportunity to defend himself and he is sent down a spiraling path of never-ending multiverses.
Jason soon realizes that his mysterious kidnapper is none other than his doppelganger who happens to be a parallel version of himself living in an alternate reality. That Jason has everything what the original Jason wanted in his life initially, for example a successful career in quantum physics, awards, recognition and wealth. Still, the companionship of Daniela and Charli is the only missing thing from his otherwise perfect life, so he decides to snatch it away from the original Jason.
However, that original version of Jason has to get back to his original reality. He realizes soon enough that he might meet better versions of himself and could eventually live in an advanced version of Chicago but then he will always live like an empty shell without the love and support of his beloved family. So, how does he manage to trace back his way to his dearest people? Will Amanda be more than helpful in this mission?
To get answers to all these questions and experience this intriguing chase across the sands of time, I would recommend you to read this book. Because it’s certainly worth it.