About a month ago now, I posted the “Stories of Science” article, in which, I mentioned reading “Dark Matter” by Blake Crouch. This was my first read of 2025 and followed my last read of 2024, “Recursion” also by Blake Crouch, which I absolutely loved. “Dark Matter” was as equally interesting as “Recursion,” though if I had to pick a favorite, it would be the latter; however, “Recursion” is not a book the library currently has, so today I wanted to share my thoughts on “Dark Matter” instead.
About the Book:
Blake Crouch is a bestselling author known for his works in the science fiction and thriller genres. Crouch’s writing often explores themes of identity, parallel realities, and the human mind’s resilience when faced with the unknown. “Dark Matter,” published in 2016, is a prime example of these themes, blending speculative fiction with a fast-paced thriller narrative. The inspiration for “Dark Matter” stems from Crouch’s interest in quantum mechanics, particularly the Many-Worlds Interpretation of quantum physics. The novel delves into the concept of alternate realities, exploring the choices we make and how different paths could lead to vastly different lives. With its mix of scientific intrigue and emotional depth, “Dark Matter” quickly became a favorite among fans of both science fiction and psychological thrillers and eventually led it to become a television series last year.
The story follows Jason Dessen, a physics professor living a content but unremarkable life with his wife, Daniela, and their teenage son in Chicago. One evening, Jason is abducted and injected with an unknown substance. He wakes up in a world that is both familiar and terrifyingly different. In this reality, he is not a professor but a celebrated scientist who has made groundbreaking discoveries in quantum mechanics. As Jason struggles to understand what has happened to him, he realizes that he has been thrust into an alternate version of his own life. Determined to return to his original world, Jason embarks on a desperate and mind-bending journey through multiple realities, facing versions of himself that challenge his understanding of identity, destiny, and love.
Review of the Book:
In the introduction to this post, I feel that my comparison between “Dark Matter” and “Recursion” may have been a bit unfair. “Dark Matter” as a standalone novel, is a fantastically written, highly engaging, and fast-paced story that successfully blends high-concept science fiction with emotional storytelling. Its exploration of quantum mechanics is presented in an accessible manner, making complex theories intriguing without overwhelming the reader. The novel’s gripping twists and strong emotional core, driven by Jason’s love for his family, make it a wonderful read. However, some aspects certainly fall short. Daniela, as well as some other characters, feel underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals. The story also follows some very predictable beats, you can feel most plot twists coming from miles away and it can become frustrating when you think of a simple solution that eludes Jason’s mind.
Overall, “Dark Matter” is a very well-written and engaging story that beautifully blends science fiction with an emotional human story. It may be a bit slow at first for some, but the story quickly delves into mind-bending territory that grips the reader. And while it has some predictable elements and moments of exposition-heavy writing, its fast-paced narrative and exploration of identity, choice, and the nature of reality make it a compelling read. And if you do end up reading and loving this book, I highly recommend reading Blake Crouch’s other literary works for anyone looking for a mind-bending mystery.
You must be logged in to post a comment.