The Age of Miracles: A Novel
By Karen Thompson Walker
Published by Random House
I received an advanced reading copy on NetGalley
With the passing of the days, who hasn’t wished that their
day couldn’t extend past the normal 24 hours, just to get some project
completed or have more time to spend with loved ones? In this debut novel,
author Karen Thompson Walker explores the scenario of the earth’s rotation
slowing a little bit each day. At first, according to the eleven-year-old
narrator, Julia, no one really notices the difference of a little extra
sunlight. “We did not sense at first the extra time, bulging from the smooth
edge of each day like a tumor blooming beneath the skin.” As the novel progresses, the lengthening of
days and nights – known as the slowing - becomes an issue of huge scientific
proportions with results such as crops getting too much light and birds losing
their sense of direction due to the change in the earth’s magnetic core. The
impact upon society is subtle at first with the decision by the government to
determine the official length of a day – 24 hours or sundown to sundown? The
decision is made to revert back to “clock time” (24 hours) no matter where the
sun is positioned. However, some want to let their bodies adjust to the earth’s
slowing by staying on what they refer to as “real time,” keeping in touch with
their circadian rhythms. These are but a few of the issues that swirl in the
mind of young Julia, who carefully watches the effects of stress on those
around: her parents, the neighbors, and fellow students. She not only has to
deal with puberty, but with a coming of age in a unique time of crisis. She is
able to see the small things in life – a fondly remembered relative, a first
kiss, a love that resolves to persevere – as daily miracles in a time of
uncertainty. Julia’s honesty and
freshness is reminiscent of Anne Frank in her attic. I recommend this novel
written with such luminous prose that leaves the reader aching for more.
