Divine Intervention

by Ken Wharton

Cut off from Earth for over a century, the people of Mandala have created a unique society and developed religious beliefs and cultural customs that are completely their own. Now, word has come that thousands of colonists are en route from Earth. Fearing a crippling shift in the planet's balance, the Prime Minister vows to do whatever it takes to keep them away.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Speculative Fiction

400 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 1, 2001

About the author

Dr. Kenneth Wharton is a quantum physicist who specializes in quantum foundations. Currently, he is a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at San José State University.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will preface this review by admitting that when it comes to science-fiction, I tend to favor the fictional elements over the scientific ones. I don't mind a book that is science heavy, but I'm pretty particular about how that science is communicated. I'm not fond of the model that has two characters casually chatting about quantum physics (much in the same way I hate commercials that show women sitting around talking about their feminine supplies).

Wharton, when he does this, does manage to give it good context (most of the time), so it doesn't get tiresome. The book is reminiscent of C.S. Lewis' Space Trilogy in its attempts to address science and theology, but Wharton's aim is different. His crafting of the Randall family is really well-done, and we come to appreciate them for their individual strengths and foibles. Daddy Randall is a preacher and believes in "God" but not the "God" of his son, Drew. Drew, who is a deaf-mute and communicates through a transmitter, has regular talks with God. Mommy Randall is an atheist, but turns out to be far more-open minded than Daddy Randall.

This would be an interesting premise by itself, but Wharton successfully places the Randalls on Mandala, a long-standing colonized planet. In fact, the whole theology of Mandalans is based around a "Journal" kept by the Captain (capital "C" intentional) of the original ship that colonized the planet, the Walt Disney. But they have become their own planet, and the news that a ship containing thousands of cryogenically frozen Earthlings is on its way to Mandala isn't received as happy news by everyone.

Where the book fails, is the Epilogue. I would like to see a law against Epilogues (I'm looking at you Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows). I much prefer to leave things hanging than a quick tie-up of all loose ends in 3 to 10 pages. Wharton's Epilogue, especially after all the complex relationships he has introduced, comes off as trite.

Epilogue aside, it is a good read. The scientific reasoning is mixed with personality differences and theology which makes for much more interesting reading than your standard dialogue about semi-conductive materials.

[Mike Hopf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Strange mix between fantasy and modern dialogue.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable! Nothing ground-breaking - a spaceship that is 'alive', a civil war, greedy politicians, generation ships, extra-solar colonisation - but all brought together in charming ways that work. The inclusion of 'God', its non-twist twist that you can see coming, is perfect. The so-called hard science, here included primarily through journal entry epigraphs at the start of each chapter, are elucidating, though not as central to the story as they might be (read: a layman like me didn't feel like he missed chunks of story by not understanding astrophysics & engineering).

If you come across this book in your local used store, and want a satisfying read, go for it!

[Libby]

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