“Next to impossible to put down . . . exciting, mysterious, and totally satisfying.”—STEPHEN KING From the New York Times bestselling author of The Passage comes a riveting standalone novel about a group of survivors on a hidden island utopia—where the truth isn't what it seems.Founded by the mysterious genius known as the Designer, the archipelago of Prospera lies hidden from the horrors of a deteriorating outside world. In this island paradise, Prosperas lucky citizens enjoy long, fulfilling lives until the monitors embedded in their forearms, meant to measure their physical health and psychological well-being, fall below 10 percent. Then they retire themselves, embarking on a ferry ride to the island known as the Nursery, where their failing bodies are renewed, their memories are wiped clean, and they are readied to restart life afresh. Proctor Bennett, of the Department of Social Contracts, has a satisfying career as a ferryman, gently shepherding people through the retirement process—and, when necessary, enforcing it. But all is not well with Proctor. For one thing, hes been dreaming—which is supposed to be impossible in Prospera. For another, his monitor percentage has begun to drop alarmingly fast. And then comes the day he is summoned to retire his own father, who gives him a disturbing and cryptic message before being wrestled onto the ferry.Meanwhile, something is stirring. The Support Staff, ordinary men and women who provide the labor to keep Prospera running, have begun to question their place in the social order. Unrest is building, and there are rumors spreading of a resistance group—known as “Arrivalists”—who may be fomenting revolution. Soon Proctor finds himself questioning everything he once believed, entangled with a much bigger cause than he realized—and on a desperate mission to uncover the truth.
Step into the captivating world of "The Ferryman", a mesmerizing novel by Justin Cronin. This literary masterpiece takes you on a poignant and haunting journey through time and existence, exploring the delicate balance between life and death, and the power of love that transcends boundaries.
At the heart of the story lies a ferryman named Bobby Conroy, a solitary and enigmatic figure tasked with transporting souls across a mysterious river that separates the living from the dead. As he silently navigates the waters, Bobby encounters a diverse cast of characters whose lives intertwine in extraordinary and unexpected ways.
Among them is Michael, a young man grappling with the loss of his beloved wife, Anya. Desperate to reunite with her, he seeks out Bobby, hoping to find a way to cross the river and reclaim the love he has lost. Their paths converge, setting in motion a chain of events that will challenge their beliefs, test their limits, and ultimately transform their lives.
As Bobby embarks on his mission, he uncovers a hidden world teeming with secrets and wonders. He encounters spirits trapped between realms, souls seeking redemption, and entities beyond human comprehension. With each encounter, Bobby's own existence becomes more complex and his understanding of life and death deepens.
Justin Cronin's "The Ferryman" is a haunting and atmospheric tale that explores the depths of human emotion, the complexities of loss, and the enduring power of love. Through Bobby's journey, Cronin weaves a tapestry of life, death, and the spaces in between, leaving readers spellbound until the very last page.
