The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber

Faber's new novel is aptly named, as it is indeed strange. It's a science fiction/Christian religion/apocalyptic/love story, and, strangely enough, it all works together to provide a satisfying and thoughtful reading experience.

Peter, an earnest and sincere pastor, is hired by a mysterious corporation with a small outpost on a far away planet to serve as spiritual leader for members of the native population. Feeling chosen by God to witness to these humanoid aliens, Peter reluctantly leaves his beloved wife Bea, who has previously rescued him from alcoholism and a life of crime and introduced him to the Christian life. Upon arrival, he finds that his new flock has already been introduced by a previous pastor to the teachings of the Bible, calling it "The Book of Strange New Things." Communicating with his wife only through the equivalent of e-mails, Peter finds himself becoming emotionally detached from her as he immerses himself in his "mission," although she tells him of the increasingly dire events back on Earth, as both society and the environment disintegrate into chaos.

The story is told through the eyes of Peter, and the author is very skilled in conveying an understanding of his behavior when he does not understand it himself. Faber believably portrays a man's conflicts of mind and heart about what duty to God actually entails, as well as telling an achingly sad love story.

Readers who are primarily science fiction fans may not appreciate this novel because it actually tells little of the alien race. Although the book contains many quotes from the King James Bible, adherents of "Christian" novels may be disappointed because it concerns questioning rather than pat answers. Fans of apocalyptic literature will be disappointed because Faber allows Bea to report only events happening without examining the whys and what happens next. Strangely enough, I felt this was mainly a love story, although the two principals are only portrayed together in the first few pages. Most of all, this is a combination and a creation all to itself, and it is very beautiful.