Darwinia

By Robert Charles Wilson,

Book cover of Darwinia

Book description

In an alternative history of the twentieth century, Europe is replaced by a land of nightmarish jungle and monsters that contains the secret of human destiny.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Darwinia as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Darwinia was the first novel I read by Robert Charles Wilson, who I believe is the best modern-day science fiction writer. Darwinia was a novel I had to read twice to really grasp how brilliantly Wilson had woven everything together. This is one of those novels where the ending can sneak up on you and blow you away and you werenā€™t even remotely prepared, which is preferred over any ending that I can predict.

Sometimes history is just as dizzying and alienating as physics, astronomy, and contemplating the end of the universe. Unraveling the chains of could-have-beens and strange possibilities is tempting, but too big for the human imagination. In Darwinia, the Earth of 1912 becomes even more. Europe and large parts of other continents have vanished, replaced by pieces of another, much more hostile planet - and the alternate history only gets stranger from there. It perfectly captures that dazed, giddy feeling of trying to understand just how big our universe really is.

From Tristan's list on science fiction books about the past.

If you love Darwinia...

Ad

Book cover of Terra Blanca - Insurrection: Gaia Prequel

Terra Blanca - Insurrection by Zoƫ Routh,

A test of leadership, loyalty, and legacy. Rylie Addison faces the greatest leadership challenge of her life. As climate change ravages the world, leaving millions displaced, Rylie is handpicked by the enigmatic Maja Garcia of Gaia Enterprises to govern Terra Blanca, an unprecedented man-made island community for climate refugees.

Asā€¦

Want books like Darwinia?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Darwinia.

Browse books like Darwinia

Book cover of Rendezvous with Rama
Book cover of In the Garden of Iden
Book cover of All Clear

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,733

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

šŸ“š If you like Darwinia, you might also like...

Book cover of Edge of the Known World

Edge of the Known World by Sheri T. Joseph,

Edge of the Known World is a near-future love and adventure story about a brilliant young refugee caught in era when genetic screening tests like 23AndMe make it impossible to hide a secret identity. The novel is distributed by Simon & Schuster. It is a USA Today Bestseller and 2024ā€¦

Book cover of Broken Mirror

Broken Mirror by Cody Sisco,

A fractured mind or a global conspiracy? Uncovering the truth can be hell when nobody believes youā€¦ and you canā€™t even trust yourself. 

"A fantastic science fiction thriller with a sincere and important message.ā€ā€”Kirkus Reviews. 

ā€œA breathtaking, deeply dark alternate-history Earth with complex characters, layered worldbuilding, and twist after twistā€¦

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in photographers, Europe, and astronomy?

Photographers 29 books
Europe 960 books
Astronomy 89 books