Under Story by Chloe Benjamin
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Publisher's Summary
At an isolated research station in Antarctica, biologist Laurel Salter is hiding from her past. When a mysterious light known as the Arc appears across the ice, it draws a group of physicists to the station, including Laurel's former husband, Eli. Fascinated by the possibilities of this strange phenomenon, Laurel becomes convinced it may offer a way to turn back time and rewrite the story of their lives. Blending speculative science, an epic love story, and a meditation on grief, nature, and human connection, Under Story explores how far we would go for more time with the people we love.
My Review
A beautifully written, thoughtful, and ambitious story that explores the interconnectedness of nature, humanity, and the invisible threads that bind us together.
I was especially drawn to the symbolism woven throughout the novel and the way Benjamin connects seemingly insignificant details to the larger story and its characters. The STEM elements were a highlight for me, especially the exploration of trees, the intricate underground networks of fungi and roots, and the symbiotic relationships that sustain them. I loved the idea of energy and electricity flowing through the natural world and the parallels Benjamin draws between those connections and the characters themselves.
Set against the stark backdrop of Antarctica, this is both a heartbreaking and beautiful story. The characters are flawed and complicated, yet each brings such beautiful and thought-provoking perspectives to the story. Benjamin does a wonderful job using the natural world to explore the complexities of human relationships and the ways we are connected.
At over 20 hours, this was quite an audiobook commitment! I appreciated the detail and thoughtful construction, but there were moments when the pacing felt slow in audio format. Some of the detail felt a little harder to get through in audio, and I think I might have enjoyed the book overall more in print.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and appreciated the care and craftsmanship behind it. It's layered, poignant, and full of meaningful connections. My advice? Go in a little blind. This is a story best experienced as it unfolds.
