Connie Willis is an established author of many science fiction books, including THE DOOMSDAY BOOK, and winner of both the Nebula Award and the Hugo Award for best sf novel.
Adult/High School-Willis explores NDEs (Near Death Experiences) and, correspondingly, the afterlife, the human spirit, and the promises and limitations of science and medicine. Joanna Lander, a psychologist studying the phenomena at Mercy General, teams up with newcomer Richard Wright, a neurologist conducting research in support of his theory that NDEs may be a survival strategy and that understanding the brain functions of the dying may be the key to preventing premature death. Their nemesis is Maurice Mandrake who, having authored one best-selling book on NDEs and the afterlife, seeks patients' validations of his foregone conclusions for a sequel. Willis's strength has always been her vivid characters, and Passage contains quite a collection, from Vielle, ER supervisor and Joanna's confidant, to her brilliant, former high school English teacher, now a victim of Alzheimer's disease. Surely, though, few novels possess a character so appealing and memorable as the irrepressible Maisie, a nine-year-old with a severe heart condition. The book's size and its pace, which may seem glacial at times, should not deter readers; Willis wants them to puzzle over clues and debate theories alongside Joanna and Richard, experiencing, as they do, each step from uncertainty to understanding. Willis also makes much use of metaphor and foreshadowing, although nothing prepares readers for the surprising plot twist that occurs two-thirds of the way into the book. This novel will draw not only science fiction fans, but also those who have wondered about their own passage from this existence into the next.-Dori DeSpain, Fairfax County Public Library, VA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
When psychologist Joanna Lander agrees to join Dr. Richard Wright's experimental study of near-death experiences, she embarks on a mental and spiritual journey to an unknown but eerily familiar "place" the borderland between life and death. With each successive session, Joanna's sense of fear and uncertainty grows, sparking a sudden insight into the nature of human consciousness as it approaches the end of life. The author of The Doomsday Book and To Say Nothing of the Dog continues to expand her storytelling repertoire, achieving new dimensions in subtlety and irony while simultaneously constructing an unforgettable tale of courage and self-sacrifice. Highly recommended. [See "Crossing The Final Frontier," an interview with Willis, p. 136. Ed.] Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
In a departure from her usual historical theme, Willis (Miracle and Other Christmas Stories) pries open the door at the end of the tunnel of Near Death Experience (NDE) while holding firmly to her endearing brand of exasperated humor. Dr. Joanna Lander, a psychologist separating the truth from the expected in NDEs, is talked into working with Dr. Richard Wright (pun intended), a neurologist testing his theory that NDEs are a survival mechanism by simulating them with psychoactive drugs. When navigating the maze of the hospital in which the cafeteria is never open, dodging Mr. Mandrake who writes popular books on NDEs and fabricates most of his accounts and finding uncorrupted participants for their experiments becomes too difficult, Joanna herself goes under. What she finds on the Other Side almost drives her and Richard apart, while solving the mystery of what it means almost drives her mad. Joanna holds nothing back as she searches her mind and her experience; readers will be able to puzzle out the answers just as she does. That this work is less tightly packed than most of Willis's novels somewhat undercuts the tension. Even so, the plot twists, the casual wit and the enjoyable characters will satisfy fans. The shocking occurrence 100 pages from the end is a good indication of Willis's power as a writer. (May 1) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
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