Harare Review of Books

256 pages.

Expected publication date: Sept 5, 2023 (Tachyon Publications)

SFF.

This book is about a disappearing book, black holes, nearly-immortal humans, and a legendary but fictional science fiction writer, Eugene Charles Hartley, who keeps company with other writers from the “Golden Age” of science fiction. Hartley wrote a book—that no one can find anymore—and established a religion. The mystery at the heart of The Circumference of the World: was Hartley enlightened or deluded?

I wanted to grasp the meaning behind this novel… In a way, this is itself the book that disappears upon being read. Reading it, I felt as bewildered as some of its characters, like there was something just there, just beyond my grasp: the same feeling I had reading Heinlein’s (awful) A Stranger in a Strange Land, in some ways—which I think would really please the author, as this novel feels like an homage to Heinlein.

Still, this was a speedy and intriguing read. There are many delicious layers, interesting worlds, and connections to make. I only wish I had a book club with which to make those connections. I’m going to leave it to those who understand its references and perhaps Tidhar’s style to interpret the novel; but I am very glad I read it, as it has left me with ideas that will no doubt send me down worm- (not rabbit) holes.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Tachyon Publications for the ARC.