Book Review – Nest of Worlds

Nest of Worlds by Marek S. Huberath – (Originally published in Poland in 1998 this is the first edition in English available this year from Restless Books)

Imagine a world where your social status is determined by the color of your hair and where you must move to a new continent every 35 years.  In that new land your status will change and the society there will be different from what you knew.  Where the nature of your death is related to your Significant Name.  And there will be a special book called the “Nest of Worlds” which describes a very different world from your own.  A world where your act of reading just might make a difference on the lives of the characters in it.

Huberath is recognized as one of the greatest contemporary Polish science fiction writers and this is the first of his novels to be translated to English.  His work is basically science fiction/fantasy but he also explores some deep philosphical/moral issues along the way.  “Nest of Worlds” (Gniazdo światów) won the top Polish science fiction award in 1999.

The concept here is brilliant as you descend down through four versions of the “nested” worlds associated with the books.  Each world is unique and complete.  Huberath takes us through a careful examination of what that nesting may mean and in doing so draws you, the reader, into the action as well.  I found the book a little slow going at first.  He allows you to slowly unwind the details of the first world you encounter.  That felt a little awkward.  But the concept is so interesting that I just couldn’t walk away from it.  In the end the investment paid off handsomely.  What is the nature of the Universe?  How do we remain human even in the most extreme situation?  What sacrifice will you make for love?

I can’t think of a comparable book for “Nest of Worlds”.  It is a wonderful work by an author at the height of his talent.

Rating – **** Recommended