Book Review: ‘The Lightest Object In The Universe’ Is A Good Debut Novel Looking At A New World

It’s the end of the world as we know it. The electrical grid has been shut down. No more internet or phone service. The Government is no more. A bad flu has killed a lot of people. It’s everyone for themselves now. You find what you can, grow what you can and share if you’re inclined to do it. The black market is growing and the only way to get stuff is to barter.

For two people it’s about surviving along with everyone else. Carson is on the east coast and wants to get to Beatrix, who is on the west coast. He sets off on foot following the railroad tracks hoping beyond hope he can get there to her. His journey takes him across the country and he meets various people along the way. Most are friendly and helpful.

Beatrix has gotten back to her home after being stuck in Mexico to find her friends gone and no way to communicate with Carson. She is ready to head North to find her friends who have left for a farm commune. Beatrix meets the new people in the building where she lives and soon they are all working together to make what they have better. Farming the land. Sharing food and supporting each other and even starting a local radio station and broadcasting. They also have to survive against a gang that has come to town and trying to take over.

Meanwhile a preacher Jonathan Blue is broadcasting coast to coast for people to come to the center where things will be anew. But not all may be what is seems with him.

Carson runs into problems close to the end of his journey and a surprising person helps him out and hopes it will get him to Beatrix and a new beginning.

A love-story with two determined people make this a sterling debut novel from author Kim Eisele. The thought that something like this could actually happen is not so far fetched. With everything going on in the world today this may be a good prelude a world of the future. The characters are well-written and you find yourself rooting for Carson and Beatrix in a big way to hopefully get their reunion. Kimi Eisele has a bright future ahead of her as a writer.

You can pick up The Lightest Object In The Universe in stores on Tuesday, July 9th from Algonquin Books.