Official Review: Point Zero by SimonJB

[Brendan Donaghy]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Point Zero" by SimonJB.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Point Zero is a novel written by British author Simon Bennett, who writes under the pen name of Simon JB. The book starts off with an Advisory Notice from the author warning the reader ‘that if you continue to read, your perception of the world is most likely to change.’ Obviously, I did continue to read. I can’t say that my perception of the world was changed, but my views on this book definitely changed several times as I read it.

Will and Tom are twenty-something physicists who know each other from studying together at university in Scotland. Seven years after graduating, they find themselves reunited in Birmingham, lecturing at the university in England’s second-largest city. Will has a flat and a live-in landlord in the shape of Jacque, an artist. Jacque has a girlfriend called Lyn. Tom also has a girlfriend, Susie, who has a best-friend called Suki. Other characters who appear are Professor Jai Sabhya Laghari, known to all as ‘The Dear’ and his friend Professor Jenny Copeland. There is also a dog called Trevor.

Summarizing the plot of this novel is quite easy: there isn’t one. The Dear gets knocked over by a reversing car and suffers a broken leg. Jenny organizes a conference at the university. Nothing much else happens. The characters meander through the book, meeting up for lunch or drinks, discussing various topics as the mood seizes them. Sometimes they don’t meet up: Chapter 6 consists entirely of Will getting himself out of bed – slowly – and going to the shop for some milk. There is nothing in the way of serious characterization. Will, Tom, and Jacque are virtually interchangeable, as are Susie and Suki.

So what is the point of Point Zero? To appreciate the book one needs to stop looking for a narrative or for any kind of character development. This novel only makes sense when one accepts it on the terms set out by the author himself. In the final conversation of the story, after Will has spent some time explaining to Jacque his theory of the universe’s origins, Jacque tells his friend that he ‘ought to write a book. A novel actually, that’s basically a good yarn, but you could weave your theory into the storyline somehow.’ That is the book summed up in a couple of sentences. The story and the characters are merely vehicles for the author’s scientific theories.

Once viewed in this light, the book becomes more enjoyable. The author writes in a humorous, whimsical fashion while some of the conversations between the characters are offbeat and funny. I found myself smiling on more than a couple of occasions. Topics discussed include gravity, the infinity void, evolution, dark energy, Wensleydale cheese, and Will’s alternative to the Big Bang Theory. This last topic is explained with the aid of diagrams. It consists of the idea that the universe emerged from a single particle that sprung into existence in an infinity void. This is ‘point zero’ of the title. I have no scientific training at all, so I will not try and explain it any further than that.

I am giving this book 3 out of 4 stars. It contains too many minor grammatical, spelling, and typographical errors to have been professionally edited. Additionally, I feel that the author spends too much time enthusing over architecture and food; once or twice I felt like I was reading a tourist brochure promoting the attractions of Edinburgh and Birmingham. Despite those reservations, I enjoyed reading this book. If you want something light and humorous that makes you think again about established scientific issues, this could be the book for you. Anyone who prefers character-driven novels should keep walking. Sensitive readers should be aware that there are one or two high-end expletives in the novel as well as some talk of sex

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Point Zero
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[Amanda Deck]

I love to laugh, so I love this review!
It was certainly wise of the author to explain the purpose of the book. I've seen others like this that actually manage a good story as well; if this one didn't, well, we have been warned.

If you want something light and humorous that makes you think again about established scientific issues, this could be the book for you.

That's exactly what I like so I'm off to take a closer look!

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

I think it was clever that the author strategically placed this "warning" at the beginning of the book, which would make any curious individual want to read further. It is too bad about the errors, though, but thanks for the wonderful review!

[NetMassimo]

I read novels strongly based on scientific theories, but this one seems to beat them all. Maybe it's too extreme even for my taste. Thank you for your informative review!

[Prisallen]

Since I am not a scientist, I'm afraid I might get lost with the talk about "gravity, the infinity void, evolution, dark energy, Wensleydale cheese, and Will’s alternative to the Big Bang Theory." It doesn't sound like something I would enjoy. Thanks for your informative and well-written review, though!

[Cherie Bastock]

When at first I read that there is no plot I was sure I couldn't read this book! However, I do enjoy scientific theories, especially with humour. Your review does make me think there might be something for me in this book. Thank you!

[Brendan Donaghy]

I love to laugh, so I love this review!
It was certainly wise of the author to explain the purpose of the book. I've seen others like this that actually manage a good story as well; if this one didn't, well, we have been warned.

If you want something light and humorous that makes you think again about established scientific issues, this could be the book for you.

That's exactly what I like so I'm off to take a closer look!

Hope you enjoy it - thanks for your comments!

[Brendan Donaghy]

I think it was clever that the author strategically placed this "warning" at the beginning of the book, which would make any curious individual want to read further. It is too bad about the errors, though, but thanks for the wonderful review!

Thanks so much for commenting!

[Brendan Donaghy]

I read novels strongly based on scientific theories, but this one seems to beat them all. Maybe it's too extreme even for my taste. Thank you for your informative review!

Thank you for your comments!

[Brendan Donaghy]

Since I am not a scientist, I'm afraid I might get lost with the talk about "gravity, the infinity void, evolution, dark energy, Wensleydale cheese, and Will’s alternative to the Big Bang Theory." It doesn't sound like something I would enjoy. Thanks for your informative and well-written review, though!

Thanks for commenting!

[Kristin Ransome]

While I enjoy science-based books, I find it hard to follow a book with no real plot! However, the theories in this one sound like they might just be interesting enough to hold my attention. Thanks for your review.

[Nisha Ward]

While I do appreciate a good yarn, I'd need more than this to enjoy what this book has to offer. That being said, I'm glad that it's at least quite engaging, because that's also an important part of any novel. I just have one question. Why cheese?

[Brendan Donaghy]

While I enjoy science-based books, I find it hard to follow a book with no real plot! However, the theories in this one sound like they might just be interesting enough to hold my attention. Thanks for your review.

You're welcome - thanks for commenting!

[Brendan Donaghy]

While I do appreciate a good yarn, I'd need more than this to enjoy what this book has to offer. That being said, I'm glad that it's at least quite engaging, because that's also an important part of any novel. I just have one question. Why cheese?

The characters Will and Tom engage in offbeat conversations at different stages of the book, some of which are quite funny. One of these conversations is about Wensleydale cheese

[LinaJan]

Whilst one of the things that was pointed out as a con, I am somewhat intrigued! After spending 11 years of my life in Birmingham, it would be interesting to hunt for familiar landmarks and places whilst reading this book The plot can come secondary, on this occasion...
Thank you for an honest review!