Booker International Shortlist 2021 – When We Cease to Understand the World

Is this the best book in the Booker World?

BookWorm’s Thoughts: I wanted to love this more than I did.

Why This Could Win: It is an interesting look at all the great advances science has made to understanding our world while also warning humanity that total understanding is not necessarily possible or advisable. May interest readers to learn more about physics.

Why It Might Not Win: Readers may be put off by all the science.

Tracy’s Thoughts:

Why it could win: This is something different: Combining facts and fiction to create a novel that is so well written that it actually makes physics interesting. 

Why it might not: The same reason it could win- the novelty.

Rachel’s thoughts: A history of science and its scientists, in all their complexity.

Why it could win: Fascinating! Sits firmly on the fiction/nonfiction line that this year’s judges seem to love. And so cleverly structured- it flows easily from one person, discovery or topic to the next. A really good read!

Why it might not win: I’m finding this hard to answer. There are other books on the list that may connect more strongly with readers, perhaps – it’s not necessarily a book to fall in love with.