VANISH LIKE A DREAM

In this debut novel, an American woman—believing the world will soon end—decides how to spend her last few days.

This story’s narrator is a neonatal nurse who’s been married to a theoretical physicist for 30 years. Her husband, working on a new theory involving the creation of the universe, will soon have access to the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland. As their two grown children have long since left home, the unnamed woman opts to enjoy the solitude while her spouse is away—albeit with her beloved dog. But she’s understandably concerned when several texts to her husband go unanswered. At work the next day, she hears vague news stories about an apparent “glitch” at CERN. She finally gets a message from her husband at home: He claims this problem is so calamitous that the end of the world will occur in a matter of days. As everyone starts losing power, the woman realizes she may never hear from her spouse or her kids again. Neighbors, certain of the end as well, gather at a bonfire in a nearby park. She enjoys the company while sifting through memories of a life that may soon be over. Schroeder’s slow-moving story features many prolonged scenes, like the woman’s day off even before she learns about the accident at CERN. But the well-rounded narrator perfectly encapsulates someone facing impending doom. For example, she’s torn between celebrating her freedom from numerous responsibilities and dwelling in unmistakable grief over what she’s losing. It’s a generally bleak narrative, and some facets, like the woman’s fear that her dog will leave and render her utterly alone, have an impeccable impact. There’s also an ever present sense of anticipation that the end might not come (most are only “99% sure they will not see tomorrow”). Meanwhile, the novel’s ending is both fitting and not easily forgotten.

An unhurried but absorbing tale about an imminent apocalypse.