The Explanation for Everything

by Lauren Grodstein

[Lianne]

I received a copy of this novel through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers programme in exchange for an honest review. This review in its entirety was originally posted at caffeinatedlife.net: http://www.caffeinatedlife.net/blog/2014/08/04/review-the-explanation-for-everything/

For a book that addresses a very loaded topic, it was quite easy to get into the story and into Andy Waite’s life. The reader quickly gains a sense of his mourning over his dead wife, and his struggles to maintain his position at the university faculty and his role as a single father. It’s sweet and sad how the ghost and memory of his dead wife is haunting him throughout the novel as he struggles to move on and face all of these challenges before him.

I think the author did a good job in presenting both sides of the argument, that of religious/spiritual belief and that of science/evolution/atheism. Some might feel that this novel sides more with the argument for religion in one’s life, especially given Andy’s journey over the course of the novel, but I think characters like Rosenblum and Lionel balance the argument out a bit and provide more representation for the evolution/non-religious element of the argument. But there are no simple answers; I think if there’s anything to take out of the novel, it’s that you need to keep an open mind and be considerate towards others, especially with people who don’t share your beliefs.

I would have rated this novel a little higher save for a few things about the story: I could’ve used one more scene to show Andy’s gradual process from being a staunch Darwinist/atheist to considering God and spirituality in his life (I say consideration because it’s an ongoing process that I will explain further in a little bit), just to link the progression up more tightly. Also, I was a bit more dismayed was the handling of Andy and Melissa’s relationship, especially at the end. Andy was at fault for stepping over the line, but Melissa was expecting too much from him all at once.

Overall, The Explanation for Everything was an interesting read and kept me invested. This novel is not for everyone–I can see how this novel might he leaning towards one or the other depending on your own values and beliefs–but it was one that raised a lot of food for thought.

Final rating: 3.5/5