THE SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER SHORTLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE 2021 AN OPRAH'S BOOK CLUB SELECTIONThe breathtaking new novel from the million-copy bestselling author of The Overstory.'Heart-rending' Oprah WinfreyTheo Byrne is a promising young scientist who has found a way to search for life on other planets dozens of light years away. He is also the widowed father of a most unusual nine-year-old. His son Robin is funny, loving and filled with plans. He thinks and feels deeply, adores animals and can spend hours painting elaborate pictures. But after a violent outburst from Robin at school, the strength of their close bond will be tested to its limits...What can a father do, when those around him refuse to understand his rare and troubled child? And how can he reveal to his boy the truth about our beautiful, bewildered world?'The love between son and father has an emotional truth that wrings the heart' Guardian'This book had me in tears' Monique Roffey, author of The Mermaid of Black Conch'Refreshing, original and moving' Evening Standard'It is impossible to deny the importance of Powers's message' Sunday Times