Wonders of a Godless World
Wonders of a Godless World is a 2009 novel by Andrew McGahan. Described as "a kind of modern fable" that "verges on fantasy", it won the 2009 Aurealis Award for best science fiction novel.
 First edition cover | |
| Author | Andrew McGahan |
|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Science fiction |
| Publisher | Allen & Unwin |
Publication date | October 2009 |
| Media type | Print (Paperback) |
| Pages | 260 (first edition) |
| ISBN | 978-1-74175-809-2 |
It follows the story of an orphan girl who is working in the wards of the insane and incapable, but the inhabitants are thrown into turmoil after a series of strange murders following the arrival of a new patient.[1]
Background
Wonders of a Godless World was first published in Australia in October 2009 by Allen & Unwin in trade paperback format.[1] It was released in the United Kingdom in May 2010 by Blue Door.[2] Wonders of a Godless World won the 2009 Aurealis Award for best science fiction novel.[3]
Synopsis
"Set on an unnamed island in the near present, it is told from the perspective of a simple young woman, an orphan, mute, reared in a mental hospital and an orderly there, who forms a bond with a mysterious coma patient, a man with telepathic powers who claims to be immortal..."[4]
Throughout the book the reader can never be sure that the mute orphan narrator is a reliable narrator. The possibility that her telepathic bond with the patient is in fact a figment of her imagination is always left open. So rather than science fiction, the book could instead be read as an insight into delusion.[5]
References
- "Wonders of a Godless World". Allen & Unwin. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
- "Wonders of a Godless World by Andrew McGahan". Fantastic Fiction. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
- "Aurealis Awards 2009: Science Fiction Novel Judges' Report" (PDF). Aurealis Awards. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
- Geordie Williamson, chief literary critic, The Australian
- Andrew McGahan, Interviewed by Jo Case, Readings