Einstein’s Dreams by Alan Lightman
A novel that alters the reality in your mind, a sensational phenomena of time-space relativity. Written as diary entries that Einstein wrote during his contemplative research on time-space relativity theory, this book borders on fantastical narration. However, the style of writing makes it clear that it is not based on a mere whim but rather on solid reasoning. Each entry makes the reader wonder about the paranormal, but thoughts do not stray to far away galaxies either.
This combination of deep philosophical intrigues and simple day to day happenings strikes the mind as a minor chord strikes in a lament. Some concepts have indeed crossed the reader’s mind previously but some stoke the imagination to the extent of obsession. This is one of those book you will stay up late to finish, and it leaves such an impact that it will keep you up for the rest of the night. Every chapter seems to be a complex web of ideas and emotions rolled up into a world in alternate reality. A particularly intricate and delicate narration might cause you to keep the book aside for a couple of minutes simply to think over the concept which is so utterly simple that it should’ve occurred to a thinker at least.
Attempting not to give spoilers for this book is a hard task as it truly stays close to the heart, Einstein’s daily habits and all. It’s descriptions are powerful and breath taking, straightforward yet woven into fragile patterns that lends the book it’s creative overlay. The book is not about the time-space relativity itself, it ventures more into the potential effects if the theory were in fact, a reality. The reason why it focuses on the dreams that Einstein has during this period of absolute insanity in understanding the theory is that dreams are a reflection of our subconscious and Einstein’s brain has already accepted the end result of the theory without any proof. This goes to show that according to the author, innovators are dreamers first, logicians later. And idea must take birth in the mind and only if it is provoked, questioned and implemented using material methods, will it ever become more than a simple dream. In around 20 pages one is deeply bound to the universe being presented; the pages themselves disappear as you imagine the words in virtual reality. This, in my perspective is one of the strongest points of the quality of this book. Books that we see are far better than the ones we simply read.
Apart from this, there are various other good qualities such as the fact that according to personal taste, the reaction to each scenario in the book will change drastically. Such a personal connection is not easy for an writer to achieve in this particular style of narration. The one downside to the book is that it’s rather short and not each entry will seem to be complete which can be slightly irritating if you’re particularly intrigued by that concept. Besso, a very close friend of Einstein also deserves a better character development and a more central position in real time situations. As there are vague references to Einstein’s wife, one is also left wondering about her role in his life and if it affected in any way his work. Although this is not the motive of the author, a better character sketch on her may have given the reader a very unpredictable viewpoint on Einstein and his thoughts.
As a fictional written record of Einstein’s dreams, this book is a work of art. In it’s versatility of genre, it is a good read for science geeks, language nerds and fantasy lovers as well as deep thinkers and philosophical theorists.
Learn more: Goodreads
Buy it here: Amazon
Read the book: PDF
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