Alan Goodwin: Gravity s Chain

A contemporary novel about what happens when a brilliant young New Zealand scientist manages to solve the scientific disparity between the previously incompatible theories of Relativity and Quantum, creating the new Superforce Theory, with significant lucrative commercial applications.

His discovery occurs the same night his wife commits suicide, and the book describes his battle with guilt, the trappings of sudden worldwide fame, alcohol and drugs as his theory is taken over by the multi-nationals and he finds himself suddenly cast as an ‘every-move-PR-managed international showman’ selling science as entertainment.

While he is being groomed for a Nobel Prize, a rival theory emerges and in the tense months leading up to the Nobel announcement his personal life falls apart, when old relationships remerge and someone who knows him very well starts sending him anonymous letters that stir up painful memories.

A scathing, clever and very well-written contemporary novel from an exciting new writer.