**THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER** **SHORTLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE 2021** A father. A son. A bewildering world. Discover the breath-taking new novel from the million-copy bestselling author of The Overstory. ´The love between son and father has an emotional truth that wrings the heart´ Guardian Theo 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? ´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´ message´ Sunday Times