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In this newly revised edition (published 11/15/23), Cauzillo, a scholar of astronomy and physics and a carpenter by trade, largely succeeds in the mammoth task of fusing mathematics, mythology, astronomy, history, and spirituality into a credible, complex, and highly creative tale. The story, a nod to Heinlein and Vonnegut—two rather unruly and humorous scribblers of contemporary sci-fi—should delight readers with a taste for challenging narratives with references to mythological and religious figures, references to the folklore of diverse cultures, and engaging but realistic characterizations. Some dialogue in the tale is a bit stiff at times, but the story still has potential as a cult classic and would make a fascinating feature film or TV series.
Sirian mathematician A’Pal Chi revives a breakthrough mathematical theory known as NZ, which is a method of counting to infinity originally discovered by the ancient Magi. The theory enables lightspeed travel, allowing Chi’s team to construct a vast craft, humorously named Hopie, to carry nearly two thousand occupants—all specialists in various liberal arts, scientific, and spiritual disciplines—on an eight-year-long journey through the stars. Dr. Chi and his crew depart from their doomed planet to search for new worlds and an opportunity to unite with a galactic brotherhood. “The long-range scans were tasked with finding an atmosphere like ours on a planet like ours orbiting a star like ours.” A destination planet, S3, is found. It “orbits Alpha Aquilae, and had homelike attributes, with similar geology and geography, saltwater seas, frozen water poles, freshwater lakes and rivers, and trees.” But the expedition discovers that this planet is actually ancient Earth, complete with her indigenous cultures who live there. Three hundred volunteer members of Dr. Chi’s team are nearby on S4 (Mars) and establish a base there. Therefore, Martian history, archeology, and culture are also examined.
A program begins that re-examines legendary Earth history and spirituality of the cultures the Sirians encounter, including real-time encounters with the gods of ancient history. The tale also makes the case that the stories of gods in many cultures may, in reality, be the encounters between ancient indigenous cultures and advanced space-traveling civilizations. A’Pal Chi’s expedition illustrates this as Chi travels the Earth and becomes venerated in local legend as a god.
Humanity’s historical and mythological past melds with the scientifically and technologically advanced future in a space setting populated with gods and extraterrestrials in this cerebral but humorous epic journey. The world of A’Pal Chi is a complex, immersive experience with a head-spinning plethora of names and references sprinkled throughout the chapters. The character, setting, event, and objects lists in the back matter assist readers to stay oriented. The unique tale also features widely familiar scientific and mathematical concepts, and readers will encounter many familiar references to ancient Trojan, Grecian, Egyptian, Norse, East Indian, Native American, and other mythologies. The characterizations of A’Pal Chi, his family, and his contemporaries are lively and carry the story well, even when some references to ancient cultures may feel obscure or oblique. Entertaining and thought-provoking, this story will make a lasting impression on all who read it.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review