Review: Transcendental Conception
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 23, 2013
The premise of this novel is that we live in one of many simultaneously existing possible universes, varying in details based on chance. The novel limits itself to two such universes, though mathematically inclined readers will realize that an infinite number of such universes might exist.A married couple, Annie and Wes, have two young sons, Nathan and Jacob.Jacob dies early in life, but his parents and Nathan survive.Annie mourns, the marriage falters, she takes solace in meditation, and through it gains access to an alternate universe in which Jacob and a slightly different Wes survive but she and Nathan do not. Jacob, lacking his mother, is lonely; Wes is single.Miraculously, she is able to interact with Jacob and Wes for short periods during meditation. She builds positive relationships with both, brings comfort to them, and, in so doing, comforts herself. The alternate Wes is lonely, shows affection, which helps rekindle her relationship with Wes of her own universe. She becomes pregnant under circumstances that are difficult to explain (read the book).At one point in this story, Annie uses her access to the alternate universe to help an adopted friend locate relatives.I found this an intriguing story based on an interesting premise but told in human terms. It would make a good movie.