Hit & Miss — Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch is a thought-provoking science fiction novel, which makes you question what you perceive as your reality. It is set in Chicago, United States. And that’s why it is a miss for readers who don’t connect with that setting, then again the elaborative writing done by the author has tried his best to give you the feel of surroundings and atmosphere but that is of no help for beginners as they might find it draggy or boring in nature.
The story revolves around Jason and his family and more importantly his choices. Choices which have life-altering consequences. The author has inked the story with four elements; two are scientific i.e. schrödinger’s cat theory & game theory; the other two are philosophical i.e. choices & love. I will say the base is given by the former and the story is made at its core of the latter. To understand the story more smoothly I will suggest you gain a basic understanding of the former.
Schrödinger’s Cat Theory: In simple terms, Schrödinger stated that if you place a cat and something that could kill the cat (a radioactive atom) in a box and sealed it, you would not know if the cat was dead or alive until you opened the box so that until the box was opened, the cat was (in a sense) both “dead and alive”. This is used to represent how scientific theory works. No one knows if any scientific theory is right or wrong until said theory can be tested and proved. (https://youtu.be/UjaAxUO6-Uw)
Game Theory: Game theory is a theoretical framework for conceiving social situations among competing players. In some respects, game theory is the science of strategy, or at least the optimal decision-making of independent and competing actors in a strategic setting. Any time we have a situation with two or more players that involve known payouts or quantifiable consequences, we can use game theory to help determine the most likely outcomes. When there is a direct conflict between multiple parties striving for the same outcome, this type of game is often a zero-sum game. This means that for every winner, there is a loser. Alternatively, it means that the collective net benefit received is equal to the collective net benefit lost. Almost every sporting event is a zero-sum game in which one team wins and one team loses. The game theory exists in almost every facet of life. Because the decisions of other people around you impact your day, game theory pertains to personal relationships, shopping habits, media intake, and hobbies.
Now that the former is out of the way, let’s come to the latter. Choices & Love can’t be expressed in definitive form since they are subjective. So, what’s your takeaway from the story becomes subjective as well, because your purview of things is shaped by your experiences. In my purview, the author has tried to convey a very simple message which we often forget, to not take things for granted and not regret the choices never made. In economic terms, it is opportunity cost. The thing you missed when you chose something else over it. If you have 100 rupees you can either buy a pizza or an ice cream, when you pick one you lose the satisfaction (utility/happiness) obtained from consuming the other good.
Coming to the storyline, the build-up is good — a complete hit — it keeps you invested and makes you emotionally connect with the character. But for me, the ending was a flat — a complete miss! The build-up was so good that I expected the ending will make me go bonkers, unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Though those who look for happy endings this one you can pick without a hitch.
Three things I liked about the novel;
- The integration of science and story is on point. There is no moment while reading where you feel this is illogical or something which only happens in fiction.
2. The message and the concept itself. The concept of choices chosen by the author is so phenomenal that you can immediately draw parallels. You start to wonder (at least I did) that there is a possibility of various other versions of you who are you yet not you!
3. The poetic feel given to the story. It just enhances the feeling of reading it to the next level.
For me the ending was a flop show because it goes on the track — Love Conquers All The Quest — style. Which if you ask me is something I feel shallow about after such a good ride. But then again the author made his choice, who knows the other version of the author might made a better choice.
Overall, good one-time read, lengthy but worthy. Lives up to the hype, except for the ending. Happy Reading!
