How High We Go in the Dark

In Sequoia Nagamatsu's profoundly imaginative debut, "How High We Go in the Dark," humanity grapples with an existential crisis after a devastating plague, unearthed from melting Arctic permafrost, reshapes life on Earth. The narrative unfolds through a series of intricately linked stories spanning hundreds of years and generations, offering a mosaic of human resilience, grief, and reinvention. From a scientist seeking redemption by fostering a pig that develops human speech, to an aspiring comedian in a theme park for terminally ill children, and a widowed painter embarking on a cosmic quest for a new home planet, each character navigates a world forever altered. Nagamatsu masterfully blends science fiction with deeply human drama, exploring themes of loss, love, and the enduring spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity, ultimately crafting a powerful testament to hope amidst the ruins of a changing world.