The Age of Miracles

I've come across some fantastic fiction lately it seems, as I devoured this book, The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker, so quickly. The basic plot line is that scientists discover that the rotation of the Earth is slowing down (a phenomenon they call The Slowing, surprisingly) and are not sure what has caused it or how bad things will get. The story is told through the eyes of an 11 year old girl, so while there's this worldwide catastrophe, she's trying to grow up and deal with all the issues that come with that.

I absolutely loved this book, but I always seem to love books that have a nostalgic feel and are told through the eyes of younger people as they recollect events (like To Kill a Mockingbird). It was sad, and beautiful, and felt so real. I thought the mix of speculative fiction and young adult issues worked really well, although some people might not like the fact that very little is learned about The Slowing, and might find it frustrating in that regard. If I was to have a complaint, it would be that the ending of the book came too quickly, and I have to admit that after the pace displayed earlier in the book, it seemed a little rushed. I could have quite happily read another 100-150 pages leading up to the end I think.

I found it refreshingly different to anything I've read before, and highly recommend it.

The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker - 4 stars

 

The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker