This speculative fiction is set in the present day just as we know it now. One day, an inexplicable and apparently impossible event happens; this novel is about how this affects the people involved, but also governments, media and everyone else. I thought it was all handled plausibly, which is essential in this kind of story. I could nitpick a few plot points, but nothing too bad. Besides, this is an Oulipan book, written under many (hidden) constraints. They’re much more subtle than those in (say) Eunoia, and maybe some didn’t make it through the translation process. It is fun to re-read the book and see if you can spot them though.
Anyway, the single event ends up affecting pretty much everyone in the world eventually. There is a thought-provoking twist and an even more thought-provoking metafictional moment. I really enjoyed this book. I could definitely see a sequel or even a multi-season TV show. The ending would really be something to see.
I have been careful to give away nothing about the book’s premise, because I think I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn’t read the blurb. If you are considering reading it, I wholeheartedly endorse that course of action. But don’t read the back of the book.