Flashforward, by Robert J. Sawyer, is the basis for the new hit show on ABC.
In an experiment gone awry, the entire population of the world loses consciousness for two minutes and has a vision 21 years in the future. Then the world wakes up to chaos. As a result of the world-wide blackout, there were countless accidents and deaths. And it seems that scientists Lloyd and Theo from CERN are responsible. In Lloyd’s vision, he is married to a different woman than his current fiancé. And Theo didn’t have a vision at all. Which leads people to believe that he will be dead within the next 21 years. When someone steps forward to say they have information on his death, Theo begins an investigation into his own future murder.
This story is so unique, that I had no idea what to expect. The main characters are completely wrapped up in worrying about their own futures, even though that future is quite far off. Guilt about the aftermath of the Flashforward seems to be secondary to everyone involved. In a lame attempt at shifting blame, Lloyd insists that there is no free will, and that the future will happen no matter what.
It will certainly make readers think and ponder over the future and reality. Those not into physics, may gloss over at some of the long descriptions. But overall, the story is suspenseful and complex. The jump to 21 years later, at the end of the book, seemed abrupt. But the threads of the story were wrapped up. And with a few interesting twists to the story, I thoroughly enjoyed this distinctive science fiction tale.
That really is a very bad novel built around a magnificent idea. Hopefully, the tv show will improve upon it.