Bewilderment: A Novel
AN OPRAH'S BOOK CLUB SELECTION
An Instant New York Times Bestseller
Shortlisted for the 2021 Booker Prize
Longlisted for the 2021 National Book Award for Fiction
A heartrending new novel from the Pulitzer Prize–winning and #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Overstory.
The astrobiologist Theo Byrne searches for life throughout the cosmos while single-handedly raising his unusual nine-year-old, Robin, following the death of his wife. Robin is a warm, kind boy who spends hours painting elaborate pictures of endangered animals. He’s also about to be expelled from third grade for smashing his friend in the face. As his son grows more troubled, Theo hopes to keep him off psychoactive drugs. He learns of an experimental neurofeedback treatment to bolster Robin’s emotional control, one that involves training the boy on the recorded patterns of his mother’s brain…
With its soaring descriptions of the natural world, its tantalizing vision of life beyond, and its account of a father and son’s ferocious love, Bewilderment marks Richard Powers’s most intimate and moving novel. At its heart lies the question: How can we tell our children the truth about this beautiful, imperiled planet?
In "Bewilderment: A Novel", Richard Powers weaves a poignant and thought-provoking tale of a father's unwavering love for his neurodivergent son, Theo Byrne. Set in a near-future America grappling with climate change and societal unrest, the story follows Theo, a nine-year-old boy with a unique way of perceiving the world. Theo's father, Robin, a renowned astrobiologist, struggles to understand and connect with his son, whose mind seems to operate on a different plane.
As Robin delves into the complexities of Theo's condition, he encounters a network of scientists and activists seeking to harness Theo's extraordinary abilities for the greater good. Caught between his desire to protect his son and the allure of a potential cure, Robin must navigate a treacherous path fraught with moral and ethical dilemmas.
"Bewilderment" is a powerful exploration of the human experience, encompassing themes of love, family, identity, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Powers' lyrical prose and insightful characterization bring to life a cast of unforgettable characters, each wrestling with their own demons and aspirations. The novel challenges readers to confront their own biases and assumptions about neurodiversity, while also shedding light on the urgent environmental and social issues of our time.
With its poignant narrative and profound insights into the human condition, "Bewilderment" is a must-read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant literary experience. Richard Powers' latest work is a testament to his exceptional storytelling abilities and his unwavering commitment to exploring the complexities of the human psyche.
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