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The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber (Allegory Explained)

“The Book of Strange New Things” by Michel Faber is a science fiction novel that explores themes of faith, love, and humanity. The story follows Peter Leigh, a Christian pastor who is sent on a mission to the planet of Oasis to teach the native inhabitants about Christianity. As Peter navigates through his new environment and learns about the Oasans, he also faces challenges in his personal life, including the distance between him and his wife back on Earth.

A glowing, alien landscape with towering, crystalline structures and strange, otherworldly flora. A mysterious, ethereal light bathes the scene, evoking a sense of wonder and awe

One of the most interesting aspects of “The Book of Strange New Things” is its use of allegory. Throughout the novel, Faber draws parallels between Peter’s experiences on Oasis and real-life issues such as immigration, cultural differences, and religious conflict. By using allegory, Faber is able to explore complex topics in a way that is both thought-provoking and accessible to readers.

Overview of ‘The Book of Strange New Things’

A glowing orb hovers above a desolate landscape, casting an ethereal light on strange, alien flora and fauna. The sky is a swirling mix of vibrant colors, hinting at the unknown wonders of this fantastical world

The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber is a science fiction novel that tells the story of a devoted man of faith, Peter Leigh, who is called to a mission of a lifetime. Peter is hired by a corporation named USIC to teach the native population on a faraway planet called Oasis the principles of Christianity. The book explores Peter’s time on Oasis and his interactions with the native inhabitants, who refer to themselves as the Oasans.

The novel is a masterwork from a writer in full command of his many talents. Michel Faber’s writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, and he skillfully weaves together themes of religion, love, and humanity. The book is a page-turner that keeps the reader engaged and invested in the characters and their journey.

One of the most striking aspects of The Book of Strange New Things is its use of allegory. The novel can be read as a commentary on the nature of faith and the challenges that come with trying to impart one’s beliefs on others. Faber’s use of the Oasans as a stand-in for the human race allows him to explore these themes in a unique and thought-provoking way.

Main Themes in the Novel

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Faith and Religion

One of the main themes of “The Book of Strange New Things” is faith and religion. The protagonist, Peter Leigh, is a devout Christian who is sent to the planet of Oasis to teach the native inhabitants about Christianity. Throughout the novel, Peter struggles to reconcile his faith with the strange and unfamiliar world he finds himself in. The novel explores the power of faith and the role it plays in shaping our beliefs and actions.

Cultural Exchange

Another important theme in the novel is cultural exchange. As Peter interacts with the native inhabitants of Oasis, he learns about their culture, language, and way of life. The novel highlights the importance of understanding and respecting different cultures and the value of cross-cultural communication.

Love and Separation

Love and separation are also major themes in the novel. Peter’s wife, Bea, remains on Earth while he travels to Oasis, and their separation puts a strain on their relationship. The novel explores the challenges of long-distance relationships and the power of love to overcome distance and adversity.

Colonialism and Exploitation

Finally, the novel touches on themes of colonialism and exploitation. The corporation that sends Peter to Oasis is primarily interested in exploiting the planet’s resources, and Peter becomes increasingly aware of the harm that this exploitation is causing to the native inhabitants. The novel raises important questions about the ethics of colonialism and the responsibility of those in power to protect the rights and well-being of those they seek to exploit.

Characters and Their Journeys

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Peter Leigh’s Transformation

Peter Leigh is a devoted man of faith who is called to the mission of a lifetime, one that takes him galaxies away from his wife, Bea, and everything he knows. During his journey to Oasis, Peter undergoes a transformation that challenges his beliefs and tests his faith. He struggles to reconcile his devotion to God with his growing attachment to the Oasans, the alien race he has been sent to teach.

Bea’s Earthly Struggles

Bea, Peter’s wife, is left behind on Earth to deal with her own struggles. She is plagued by loneliness, fear, and uncertainty as she tries to navigate life without her husband. Bea’s journey is one of self-discovery and growth as she learns to cope with her new reality and finds strength in unexpected places.

The Oasans’ Perspective

The Oasans are a reclusive native species on the planet of Oasis. They are fascinated by Peter and his teachings, but their perspective on life and the universe is vastly different from his. Their journey is one of discovery as they try to understand Peter and his beliefs, while also grappling with their own identity and purpose in the universe.

Allegorical Elements in the Narrative

A glowing orb hovers above a lush, alien landscape, symbolizing the mysterious and otherworldly nature of the narrative in The Book of Strange New Things

Biblical Parallels

The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber is a novel that blends science fiction with religious allegory. The story follows Peter Leigh, a Christian pastor who is sent to a distant planet to spread the word of God to an alien race. The novel draws heavily on biblical themes and imagery, with many parallels to the story of Jesus Christ. For example, Peter’s journey to the planet of Oasis can be seen as a metaphor for Christ’s journey to Earth, while his interactions with the Oasans can be interpreted as a representation of Christ’s teachings and miracles.

Science Fiction as Allegory

In addition to its biblical allusions, The Book of Strange New Things also uses science fiction as a means of exploring deeper philosophical and ethical questions. The novel raises issues related to the nature of faith, the limits of human understanding, and the ethics of colonization and cultural exchange. Faber uses the alien world of Oasis as a way to explore these themes, highlighting the ways in which our own beliefs and assumptions can shape our interactions with other cultures and ways of life.

Literary Devices Used

Symbolism

Faber uses symbolism in “The Book of Strange New Things” to add depth and meaning to the story. One of the most prominent symbols is the planet Oasis, which represents a new beginning and a chance for redemption. This is seen through the transformation of the native inhabitants, who are initially hostile and suspicious of Peter, but eventually become his devoted followers. The Bible, which Peter brings with him to Oasis, is also a symbol of hope and guidance for both Peter and the Oasans.

Foreshadowing

Faber employs foreshadowing throughout the novel to hint at future events and build suspense. For example, early on in the story, Peter has a vision of his wife, Bea, in distress, which foreshadows the challenges they will face in their relationship. Another example is the recurring mention of the “darkness” on Oasis, which hints at the impending danger and chaos that will arise.

Metaphors

Metaphors are used by Faber to create vivid imagery and deepen the reader’s understanding of the characters and their experiences. One example is the metaphor of the “shepherd” and the “sheep,” which is used to describe Peter’s role as a pastor and the relationship between him and the Oasans. Another example is the metaphor of the “river,” which symbolizes the flow of time and the inevitability of change.

Critical Reception and Interpretations

Reviews and Critiques

Critics have given mixed reviews to Michel Faber’s The Book of Strange New Things. While some have praised the book for its unique blend of science fiction and religious allegory, others have criticized it for being overly long and slow-paced.

One of the most common criticisms of the book is that it is too focused on the religious themes and not enough on the science fiction elements. Some readers have also found the characters to be flat and uninteresting. However, others have praised the book for its exploration of themes such as faith, love, and sacrifice.

Despite the mixed reviews, The Book of Strange New Things has been nominated for several awards, including the Arthur C. Clarke Award and the James Tiptree Jr. Award.

Reader Responses

Readers have had a variety of responses to The Book of Strange New Things. Some have found it to be a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful book that explores important themes. Others have found it to be slow and boring, with unlikable characters and a confusing plot.

One of the most common themes in reader responses is the book’s exploration of faith and religion. Some readers have found the book to be a powerful meditation on the nature of faith and its role in human life. Others have criticized the book for being too preachy or one-sided in its portrayal of religion.

Comparisons to Other Works

Similar Themes in Literature

“The Book of Strange New Things” by Michel Faber has been compared to other works of literature that explore themes of faith, religion, and humanity’s relationship with the unknown. One such work is “The Sparrow” by Mary Doria Russell, which also features a Jesuit priest as its protagonist and explores themes of faith and sacrifice in the face of alien contact. Another work that shares similar themes is “Contact” by Carl Sagan, which explores the intersection of science and faith as humanity makes contact with an extraterrestrial intelligence.

Michel Faber’s Other Novels

Michel Faber is a prolific author with a diverse range of works, but “The Book of Strange New Things” stands out as a departure from his previous works. His earlier novels, such as “The Crimson Petal and the White” and “Under the Skin,” explore themes of sexuality, identity, and power in a variety of settings. “The Book of Strange New Things,” on the other hand, is a science fiction novel that explores themes of faith, love, and communication in a futuristic setting. While his earlier works may be more overtly sensual and provocative, “The Book of Strange New Things” showcases Faber’s versatility as a writer and his ability to explore complex themes in a variety of genres.