The Ferryman by Justin Cronin

 

Justin Cronin plays with your expectations in The Ferryman at every step of the way. Proctor Bennett works as a ferryman on the utopian island of Prospero. He guides older Prosperans across the water to the facility where they are reconstituted into younger bodies. On the day that Proctor is assigned to ferry his own father, with whom he has a difficult relationship, things go very wrong. The cracks in the idyllic society are widening and soon Proctor finds himself on the run and finding allies in the Annex, home to the working class people who keep Prospero running smoothly. 

No utopian society is ever truly utopian. That is expected. But just when you think you have things figured out, Cronin throws you a curveball. And then another. Until you are breathlessly following along in a story that defies all expectations. Every twist is earned and Cronin's construction of the plot is magnificent. 

The story moves steadily through the first part of the book, carried by strong characters who feel real in their emotions, motivations, and actions. Then when the curtain is pulled back, the pace correspondingly increases to match the new revelations that follow. Cronin maintains this increased pacing all the way to the end, with new revelations and character decisions that will have your jaw dropping. 

An incredible plot, fantastic, complex characters, and peerless writing. This is not only one of the best books of the year, but a story that will stick with you for a long, long time. You're going to want to talk to people about this book!

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher.