BEWILDERMENT

by Richard Powers

I was really looking forward to reading Richard Powers’ Bewilderment, his newest book since The Overstory, which is one of the best books I’ve ever read – and which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. But, I postponed reading it for a while after learning what the story was about because I was afraid it would be too depressing. Despite the book’s subject matter, though, I found it a beautifully written story about a father and a son and I encourage everyone to read it.

Theo Byrne is a brilliant astrobiologist who is raising his 9-year-old son Robin on his own, after his wife died. Robin, though sensitive and gifted artistically, struggles with anger issues and his teachers and doctors want him to start taking psychoactive drugs. Desperate to prevent that, Theo enrolls Robin in an experimental program of neurofeedback treatment, where among other things, he can access the recorded patterns of his dead mother’s brain. As unlikely as the treatment sounds, Robin’s behavior improves and life at the Byrne house gets better. Until the neurofeedback program loses its funding.

In Bewilderment, Powers writes breathtaking descriptions of the natural world. He paints equally inspiring images of other galaxies and worlds beyond our world. But what will really make you love Bewilderment is Powers’ portrayal of the fierce love between Theo and Robin. This is a book that will burn into your heart and stay there for a very long time. (Liz)