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Curious

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“An intellectually stimulating journey that embraces the wonders of human existence.” — Publishers Weekly

“A witty and thought-provoking novel that blends fiction, philosophy, science, and humor.” — The Literary Review Journal

When life decides to tear up the script, how do you learn what really matters?

Artfully written as a witty and philosophical reflection on life, the universe, and why Edward’s ex-wife doesn’t love him anymore, Curious grapples with the BIG questions—all through a mix of dry self-aware humor and irreverent honesty.

Edward thought his life was all planned out. But when his wife divorces him the day he sells his company, he’s left penniless, afraid, and floundering. Through a series of walks along Sydney’s sparkling harbour and coastal trails with his trusty companion Albert, he’s left to wrestle with the questions he’s always pretended he never had.

And as it turns out, watching a man’s life fall apart has never been so amusing.

From evolution and capitalism to democracy and dinosaurs, Edward and Albert’s talks pepper scientific facts and historical oddities while grappling with existential questions about meaning, God, and how to survive when you’ve missed life’s instruction manual.

As a must-read for fans of The Alchemist, The Midnight Library, Man's Search for Meaning, and Tuesdays with Morrie, author Philos Fablewright doesn’t promise quick fixes or easy solutions. Instead, Curious invites you to come along for the ride, find comfort despite uncertainty, and explore the messy business of being human together.

If you love philosophical fiction that doesn't take itself too seriously, then grab your copy today!

“If you enjoyed The Alchemist, you will LOVE Curious.” — ★★★★★Reader Review

“Made me laugh while making me think. I couldn't put it down.” — ★★★★★ Reader Review

“Surprisingly moving. Stayed with me long after I finished.” — ★★★★★ Reader Review


310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2024

58 people are currently reading
1380 people want to read

About the author

Philos Fablewright

2 books8 followers
📌 Philos Fablewright: Author of Thought-Provoking Fiction & Philosophical Novels


Thank you for getting this far. I’m grateful to have sparked your curiosity.

I write thought-provoking fiction that blends philosophy, history, science, and self-discovery—because, let’s be honest, none of us have all the answers. Life is unpredictable, messy, and doesn’t come with a manual. But that’s what makes it interesting.

In Curious, Edward loses everything—his career, his marriage, his sense of self—and is forced to start over. Along the way, he stumbles through humor, heartbreak, and unexpected wisdom, discovering more about life than he ever imagined.

This is a heartfelt tale drawn from real life. A novel that will touch your heart, make you laugh, and leave you thinking.


📝 Why a Pseudonym

Because Curious was never about me—it’s about the questions that challenge our thinking and deepen our understanding. This book is a fusion of ideas and stories I wanted to share, not as a statement, but as part of a conversation with you. I simply invite you, the reader, to embark on this journey of curiosity and discovery with me.


📚 A Glimpse into My Thinking

This is not an excerpt from Curious but rather a reflection of the ideas that shape my writing and perspective on life.

"We are parachuted into existence, an unknown place and time. Some of us are lucky—we have a happy childhood. We are programmed by the narrative of our day, molded by social conditioning, and left to navigate our own paths. And mostly, we succeed—we work, we build, we replicate. That’s our evolutionary task. But evolution didn’t expect us to live this long, to question why we’re here, or to wonder what comes next.

The real question isn’t why we’re here, but where we’re going. And wherever that may be, we seem to be in a hurry. In just 3.5 generations, humankind has raced from steam power to artificial intelligence. Yet, the human-machine—our intricate mix of hardware and software—doesn’t always function as expected. Annoyingly, there is no user manual to explain this."


🌍 About Me

I am a storyteller. Stories are how we make sense of the world—how we share ideas, inspire change, and connect with others. The best leaders in business and innovation are storytellers at heart, translating complex ideas into narratives that move people to action.

My background in science, design, and business has shaped the way I approach storytelling—blending analytical thinking with creative exploration. I’ve lived and worked across Europe, Japan, and Australia, navigating careers that span medical technology, consumer goods, and leadership. From pioneering innovations in science and design to building businesses and shaping cultures, I’ve worked alongside some of the brightest minds, where ideas and storytelling go hand in hand.

Curiosity drives everything I do—both in life and on the page. My writing explores the contradictions of being human, inviting readers to think, laugh, and question. Because, in the end, we are all just trying to make sense of this beautifully chaotic existence.


If you enjoy philosophical fiction that lingers long after the last page—books like The Alchemist, The Midnight Library, and Man’s Search for Meaning—then I invite you to explore Curious.

It’s not just a book; it’s a journey. And I’d love for you to be part of it.

Please, be curious. 🔍📚

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5 stars
19 (31%)
4 stars
22 (36%)
3 stars
13 (21%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
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6 (9%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Courtney/Taz.
20 reviews19 followers
June 15, 2025
4.6 🌟

I was gifted this book through the Goodreads giveaway!! 🤩🥲 At first it took a bit of time getting into the novel, quite possibly because it was written in a style similar to conscious thought????: For further explanation….

Edward (protagonist): I go round and round in a circles- A thought experiment in an endless thought loop….

My kindle note of it: Perhaps reflective in writing style- Almost a continuous pace of wandering thats listless. conversations, interspaces with worries and thoughts. We (humans) are burdened by our consciousness to be hyper aware of the world around us/circumstances leading us to wonder what our PURPOSE is.

Regardless, I enjoyed how the book was written because I felt like I was with Edward and Albert as they went about their adventures. It also spurned some of my own questions about the characters and their lives. By not resolving them I enjoyed the book even more. What a dichotomy!


There’s even a fun disclaimer that reads “If this book starts to make sense stop reading, go lie down until the feeling goes away.” Which I was very amused by. Now down to business!!


I enjoyed reading about Edward, our recently divorced protagonist and friend and his journey in understanding the hardships of his present. We witness our other friend Albert steer him along adventures and thought experiments seemingly designed mainly to get Edward out of his head. Albert is very much the “But did you die friend, iykyk). *cries in not knowing how to add gifs 🥲*


BUT the grander picture of it all is that while Edward is learning WE are learning too. I highlighted so many different facts and historical knowledge throughout the book that was interesting to me or something I wanted to look into farther (57 notes and 223 highlights according to kindle).

My thoughts on all of the thought experiments which I believe this sentiment is also uttered similarly through the book is that:

1.) To step beyond the individual viewpoint would do us all much good. We are all much more similar than we like to think, once we strip away things like religion, biases, nationality etc. Humans desire food, shelter and once this basic needs are met happiness which due to our inherit individualistic mindset can often lead to greed. Less is more in an abundance of ways.

2.) We can learn from the world around us (animals, plants, microorganisms) we have deemed lower life forms but who may hold the “answers” to the questions of life

3.) It is the process of the journey that gives life its meaning.


I have lots of quotes that made me chuckle or think more deeply but some of my favs were:

“Just as the Rainbow Serpent shaped the Earth and imbued it with life, could it be that we, inhabitants of our own reality, live within an intricate simulation of our own making?”—— Much of our happiness and suffering we create all on our own

“The sun is warm, the sky is bright, and Edward thinks life doesn’t seem so bad.”

“You seem to be good at the holding-on part, Edward. It's not hard, holding on. I have been practising all my life.”

Finally my closing thought: Questioning our existence is a part of the human condition, the burden of consciousness but also the glory of our ability to be CURIOUS 🫶🏾🫂
Profile Image for Susan Simpson.
184 reviews2 followers
November 4, 2025
3.75/5
“If at any time while reading this book it starts to make sense, stop reading immediately and lie down until the feeling goes away.”

Curious is billed as “a witty and thought-provoking novel that blends fiction, philosophy, science, and humor.” Calling it a novel might be stretching the definition; it’s a novel only for want of a better term. I would describe it as a podcast in novel form.

It’s essentially conversations between two men who occasionally meet for a meal, a hike, to catch up, and discuss topics of interest.

Man #1 (the protagonist): Edward, the once-CEO of a successful company he built and sold, is now facing joblessness, divorce, and financial instability. Faced with the task of rebuilding his life, he begins to ask the big questions that most of us have (or have had). These explorations are done in conversation with Man #2: Albert. Albert is a bit of a patronizing pedant, but I think Edward considers him a friend. He functions as Edward’s sounding board and mostly directs Edward to (a) use his smartphone to look up answers from a trusted science/medical/research website; and/or (b) engage in a thought experiment with him. Throughout the book, they discuss a broad range of topics, from the existence of God to the hidden dangers of sugar, from the state of democracy in the world to the origins of curry…you get the picture. Edward and Albert typically have these conversations while doing interesting things in and around Sydney, AUS, which allows the two to also talk about landmarks. For example, how the Sydney Opera House was built.

So, a lot of information. And a lot of conversation about the information. Two guys talking about interesting things in interesting settings. But what makes the book enjoyable is Edward. He’s funny. Several times he had me chuckling out loud. And that made taking in the wide-ranging information very entertaining.

No, there really isn’t a plot. There’s a character in conflict, namely Edward, and what he might do given his present life circumstances. But that doesn’t really get resolved in the course of this book. Edward gains a bit more perspective and some knowledge and information. But, in the end, there isn’t much of a story arc. On the plus side, the lack of a driving narrative makes it the kind of book you can pick up and put down without losing the thread. You can read it in short, pleasant sittings. Think: multiple episodes (chapters) of an entertaining podcast about things that might spark your curiosity. And that’s Curious.

All in all, an enjoyable read (or listen).
235 reviews12 followers
August 22, 2024
Curious by Philos Fablewright is an intriguing and eclectic novel that deftly blends fiction, philosophy, science, history, and humor into a compelling narrative. The story follows Edward, a former CEO whose life unravels after a sudden divorce and financial collapse. This upheaval sends Edward on a journey of introspection, where he grapples with life’s big questions and the everyday absurdities of being human.

Fablewright’s writing is both witty and thought-provoking, inviting readers to explore profound philosophical ideas through Edward’s mid-life crisis. The novel’s strength lies in its ability to balance weighty themes with humor, making complex topics like the search for meaning, the human condition, and societal expectations accessible and engaging. Edward’s musings on the futility of both religious and secular pursuits are particularly poignant, challenging readers to reflect on their own lives and what truly matters.

The novel’s structure, which includes a warning to “stop reading immediately and lie down” if it starts to make sense, sets the tone for a story that is as unconventional as it is insightful. This playful yet profound approach is refreshing, though some readers might find the philosophical digressions and the self-reflective nature of the narrative a bit overwhelming at times.

However, Curious is not just about Edward’s personal journey; it’s a commentary on the universal human experience. Fablewright skillfully examines how technological and scientific advancements have added complexity to our lives without necessarily bringing clarity or happiness. The novel’s exploration of these themes, combined with its rich character development and engaging dialogue, ensures that it resonates on multiple levels.

In conclusion, Curious is a must-read for anyone interested in a thoughtful exploration of life’s big questions, wrapped in a story that is both entertaining and enlightening. It’s a book that will make you laugh, reflect, and ultimately reconsider your own journey through life.

Thank You
Happy Reading
71 reviews5 followers
August 7, 2024
This amazing novel follows divorce, unemployment and bankruptcy on the part of Edward, a one-time successful CEO. In his efforts to rebuild his life and care for his little daughter, there are funny and meaningful moments that mostly occur because of the Human Machine which often malfunctions.

The novel is a mix of humour, philosophy, science and history that deals with fundamental questions about life along with important social issues. It points out how fast technological advancement has been taking place and its consequences on society thereby making readers reflect on their lives as well as the human race in general.

The story delves into major social issues and concerns of existence. The novel asks questions about human life that cannot be answered such as our own, which is also used to talk about the impacts of modern technology on society. In addition, it provides a platform where readers can better comprehend this view. It’s amazing how just three or four generations have witnessed humanity transition from steam engines to AI systems. This notion emphasizes the ever-changing world and its attendant difficulties.

The novel strength lies in its ability to combine Edward's struggles with grander philosophical investigations. It makes one consider personal experiences as well as those that other people have gone through in their lives. He gives an eye-opening account of societal constructs and how we are all without any guidebook in a journey which leaves one not only wondering why they exist but where they are headed too.

It is a charming piece of work which will make you think about what it means to be human. The journey is spellbinding; it will make you laugh, ponder and get motivated.
Author 2 books8 followers
August 11, 2024
SENSIBLY PUTDOWNABLE

Many books are hailed as unputdownable. Interestingly, this author urges the reader to periodically put down this philosophical book, and mull it over, whenever its narrative becomes sensible—as such, it is deservedly putdownable.

Curious is a 316-page, July 2024 book by Philos Fablewright. It has 19 assorted, subtitled chapters. The book’s storyline is especially about its protagonist Edward’s soul-searching journey in the wake of a bitter divorce, despite recently selling his demanding company to create more family time. No longer tied down by a home or the constraints of the rat race, the free spirit Edward teams up with his newly-acquainted kindred soul-and-sidekick Albert with whom he navigates his humbling predicament.

Amid regrets and wishful thinking, it is interesting how Edward—assisted by his support system Albert— deals with his own personal and career challenges through research, traveling (across New South Wales, Australia), seeking solace in unfamiliarity, and escapism. From the chapters “3.5 Generations” through “There is More of Me” to “Everything & the end”, virtually every imaginable topic contributes—literary and literally—to the book’s multifaceted narrative, particularly Edward’s quest for a purpose in his post-marital life.

Curious is infused with historical facts from diverse regions and nuggets of wisdom. It emphasizes the importance of moving on, taking it easy, sober reflections, and relishing and cherishing.

To sum it up, the educative and informative book Curious is an engrossing confluence of diverse disciplines and issues, including: self-reflection, religious debates, mythology, sci-fi, planetary science, astrophysics, socio-political-economic systems, ethos, paleoanthropology, welfare, innovation, reductionism, social disparities, human anatomy, virtues and vices, ethics, schools of thought, and evolutionary biology.
Profile Image for Manik and Sayee |favbookshelf.
176 reviews27 followers
September 2, 2024
"Curious" by Philos Fablewright is a novel that intertwines humor, philosophy, science, and history to explore life's big questions.

The story follows Edward, a former CEO whose life falls apart after a sudden divorce. He embarks on a quest for meaning amidst the chaos, accompanied by his friend Albert. Their journey leads them through deep philosophical reflections, encounters with diverse cultures, and humorous situations that challenge the reader to ponder the human condition and the impact of modern technology on our lives.

One of the novel's strengths is its ability to introduce readers to interesting facts, including insights into Aboriginal Dreamtime stories, Egyptian mythology, etc. These elements are fascinating and enrich the narrative, adding depth to Edward's journey. Edward's journey is filled with moments of introspection and humor. His path is marked by moments of introspection and wit, with his conversations with Albert—often exploring complex themes—being particularly compelling.

The novel excels in merging science, history, and philosophy within the framework of Edward's personal crisis. However, despite its strengths in content, the book's impact is somewhat diminished by its challenging dialogue presentation. The absence of quotation marks in the dialogues between Edward and Albert makes it difficult to follow the exchanges, leading to confusion in several parts of the story. This formatting choice interrupts the flow of the narrative, which can be frustrating for readers.

Overall, "Curious" offers a wealth of intriguing ideas and has the potential to leave a lasting impression after some formatting changes are done. For readers who enjoy a blend of humor, philosophy, and science, it's still worth exploring.
95 reviews4 followers
August 13, 2024
The annoying part is that we’re here at all, and then we’re afraid to leave." With this line, Philos Fablewright’s Curious hooks you from the start. It’s a story about Edward, a man whose life has fallen apart, and it takes you on a journey through his search for meaning, mixing humor, philosophy, and deep reflections on what it means to be human.

The main idea of the book is that, despite all the technological and scientific advancements we’ve made, the basic struggles and uncertainties of life remain the same. Edward’s journey is about how we all search for purpose when life is chaotic and unpredictable.

Philos uses humor and philosophy to talk about the pace of technological change, happiness, and how society’s expectations shape our lives. He asks us to question whether all these advancements make life better or just add more layers of complexity.

One of the main takeaways from the book is that the meaning of life can’t be defined. It changes with our experiences and the world around us. Edward’s musings on the futility of religious and secular pursuits make us think about our own lives and what matters.

As Edward works through the challenges in his life, Curious encourages readers to think about their paths, making them question what matters. It’s a book that can change how you feel about life, purpose, and the world around you.
Profile Image for Danis Miller-Bucholz.
78 reviews
June 14, 2025
This is a unique novel. I saw a review somewhere that compared it to The Alchemist, a book I really enjoyed reading for the first time years ago, so I was excited and thankful to the publisher and to Goodreads when I happened to win an electronic copy of this title in a Goodreads Give a Way. This novel took me a while to read, because it is dense and organized in a nontraditional structure. Basically, the novel follows the protagonist, Edward, who sells his successful company and retires, only to immediately find his wife has filed for divorce and his whole world is upended. The novel focuses on Edward's search for meaning in his life though travel experiences and conversations with his acquaintance, Albert. The novel weaves together lots of facts and information about history, philosophy, the humanities, and what it means to be human at this time in our history. For me, I felt like much of the novel was somewhat too literal level - as a reader I sometimes felt I was being "hit over the head" with facts and with analogies that were very obvious. In some parts of the novel I felt like the writer was just "trying to cover too much" in terms of conveying facts to the reader. I found I could easily put this novel down and not feel a desire to return to it for a few days, which is usually a sign that I'm not that passionate about what I'm reading.
Profile Image for Meghan.
2,469 reviews
September 3, 2024
What if machines could take care of some of life’s biggest challenges so we humans can live our lives to our most significant potential? Edward planned to develop such a machine, but like all technology, there are glitches, some of which could take away everything we have. That is precisely what happened to Edward as he sat back and watched his life crumble before his eyes while caring for his young daughter. While reading this book, I learned more in-depth what it takes to be a human, and failure can be part of a rebirth and rebuild more vital than ever. Philos Fablewright did a remarkable job showcasing the storyline and characters in relatable life circumstances, such as machines replacing the human touch and the fact that machines will have more significant challenges and can destroy so much more than the human touch. I was surprisingly shocked in a good way by how exciting the storyline was. I thought this would be another philosophical dissertation, but I was most pleasantly wrong.

I loved how this book was structured, written, and edited. My interest was invested from beginning to end. I will recommend this book to my friends and colleagues. For these reasons, I am awarding this book four stars.
154 reviews11 followers
September 11, 2024
A riveting tale

Fablewright masterfully integrates philosophy, science, history, and humor, not as separate entities but as interconnected elements that propel the narrative forward. This synthesis is rare, offering readers not just a story but an educational journey. The novel challenges the conventional boundaries between genres, creating a hybrid that might be termed edutainment in literary form. The analytical reader will appreciate how each discipline is not merely mentioned but explored through the protagonist's life experiences, providing depth and context to Edward's personal crises and growth.
Fablewright's writing style is engaging, filled with wit, yet it doesn't dilute the gravity of the themes discussed. The tone shifts seamlessly from light hearted to deeply contemplative, which might be jarring in less capable hands, but here it underscores the multifaceted nature of life itself. This dynamic range in narrative tone keeps the reader intellectually engaged and emotionally invested. Edward's character arc is a profound study in resilience and introspection. Fablewright uses Edward's downfall from a successful CEO to a man grappling with life's fundamentals as a canvas to explore human psychology and philosophy.
48 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2024
"Warning, if at any time while reading this book it starts to make sense, stop reading immediately and lie down.” “Curious” by Philos Fablewright begins with this warning on the page before chapter. Considering very few if any novels begin with such a warning, the reader has been advised that they are in for something different. While we often hear stories categorized as coming of age, this story could be categorized as coming of middle age.

Our protagonist Edward is a businessman who sells his company while claiming to be in financial ruin, and learns his wife is divorcing him all at once. This break from his comfortable routine sets Edward on a tangent of profound introspection. Edward thinks about and questions topics from the rhetorical, what is the meaning of like, to why his body (which he refers to as his human machine) operates or fails to operate as it should. There is no topic that Edward will not over think and over analyze, to comic effect. Some men deal with a mid-life crisis by buying a sports car and finding a girlfriend, while others like Edward look inward to find answers to questions of their own making, that no one else is asking. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Julie VanDusky.
7 reviews
December 24, 2025
Do not recommend. Ignore the high ratings. I think this book and the reviews are a scam.

I am saying this as someone who agrees with a lot of the characters' thoughts and opinions in the book.

I think the author wanted to write a book about their own thoughts on politics and religion.

But they knew no one would want to read a book based on just their opinions on these topics.

So they just wrote a book about two men chatting about those thoughts and opinions.

It almost feels like religious/political propaganda. It is disguised as a fiction book, but in reality, the author wanted to influence people's views on specific topics.

At times, it also felt like the author used AI to write specific passages in the book. It felt like the author asked ChatGPT for information on specific topics and just copied and pasted the information into the book.

When I figured this all out, I wanted to know more about the author. But the author used a pen name, so we don't know who they are and what their motivations are.
42 reviews4 followers
September 3, 2024
Truely Incredible

Curious by Philos Fablewright is really a book like no other.
Edward sells his company to give more at home but ends up divorced regardless. This gives him time. Something he'd not had the indulgence of before. Something we all wish for more of.
He spends his days researching and travelling. Learning more about the world and himself.
It was such a reflective book, there are so many moments that you just sit there and take a moment and think about your own life. Something the author also encourages you as the reader to do.
As Edward searches for meaning in his new life you are fully pulled along for the ride.
There's no real set genre with so many different themes explored through his research that it keeps even the most distracted reader entertained.
Hands down one of the best books I've read for provoking thought and letting you take a moment to think and reflect.
31 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2024
Fascinating tale of personal growth!

I loved how Curious draws the reader into the novel at the very beginning. Starting off by introducing us to Edward, a once successful CEO, who is facing divorce from his long-time wife. Their daughter chooses to split her time between the two of them, but Edward still suffers a tremendous blow.

Utilizing a unique diologue style of writing, Fablewright reminded me of the style and tone used by Plato so long ago. Edward feels that his old self no longer exists, but if it no longer lives, what is he meant to become?

With his friend Albert to help him, Edward embarks on a journey of growth and personal rediscovery. Such a Captivating story that challenges the reader to analyze themselves and their passions to ensure they did not "miss any instructions" from the manual of life!
113 reviews10 followers
August 20, 2024
"Curious" by Philos Fablewright is a captivating novel that eloquently describes the life experiences and lessons learned by Edward, the story's protagonist. Edward's life changes dramatically, and he is confronted with a number of issues at the same time. While attempting to reconstruct his life, he takes the reader along on his path of confronting his flaws, limitations, and fears. The plot picks up pace from the first page and keeps the reader on edge. The narrative is similarly impactful, and the characters are wonderfully written and developed.
The book poses the poignant and thought-provoking subject that, despite enormous advancements in science and technology, humanity has not yet discovered a reliable, concise manual for living a meaningful life. Definitely a thought-provoking read.
Profile Image for Viga Boland.
Author 18 books48 followers
September 26, 2024
If you had suggested to me that I’d enjoy a book where two old friends regularly meet over lunch to natter about philosophy, politics, family and social issues, statistics and more, I would have dismissed CURIOUS without a second thought. What a mistake I would have made. This book is unique in so many ways from its plot to its presentation to its fascinating content and ever-changing settings. It sent my mind exploring subjects I’m familiar with but only on a surface level. What I discovered was amazing. Furthermore, as an ex-pat, I delighted in revisiting Sydney Harbour, and all its beautiful eating places, along with the “three sisters” in the blue Mountains outside Sydney and just so many other aspects of beautiful Australia. If you’re ready to read something truly unique and highly enjoyable, get curious about CURIOUS!
Profile Image for Philos Fablewright.
Author 2 books8 followers
May 27, 2025
A note from the author

When I wrote this novel, I started with the question:

🔹 What if losing everything was the first step to truly finding yourself?

Life is unpredictable, messy, and doesn’t come with a manual. But that’s what makes it interesting.

In Curious, Edward loses everything—his career, his marriage, his sense of self—and is forced to start over. Along the way, he stumbles through humor, heartbreak, and unexpected wisdom, discovering more about life than he ever imagined.

This is a heartfelt tale drawn from real life. It is a novel that will touch your heart, make you laugh, and leave you thinking—seven years in the making.

If you enjoy philosophical fiction that lingers long after the last page—books like The Alchemist, The Midnight Library, and Man’s Search for Meaning—then I invite you to explore Curious.
Profile Image for Sherrie.
326 reviews9 followers
May 24, 2025
I appreciated receiving a Kindle copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.

Former CEO Edward, who left his demanding job to spend more time with his family, promptly loses his marriage, his comfortable home, essentially all that was meaningful to him. The bulk of the book is a conversation between Edward and new acquaintance Albert where Edward asks existential questions and Albert tells him to look up various factoids on his phone. That device of using a device felt much like any attempt at conversation with people younger than me, and didn't work for me personally. Most of the 'discovered' facts about religion, culture, consumerism and biology weren't very obscure, so I didn't find the discovery in this that other readers apparently did. The book didn't satisfy much curiosity for me, but I did add a star for useful travel tips for my upcoming visit to Sydney.
171 reviews7 followers
August 8, 2024
Never before did I expect to see a book that touches on everything about life in 300 pages. Curious attempts to do just that. Using often-humorous methods to examine deep questions about life, the main protagonist, Edward, takes a journey of self discovery after his life is turned upside down following a divorce. In his quest to find meaning to his existence, he, and by extension, we readers, explores social issues and physical issues relating to our Human Machine.

This book is insightful, but not self-aggrandizing. It’s a lovely blend of comedy, slice of life, and philosophy that readers of all ages will love.
2 reviews
May 2, 2025
What a refreshing read. CURIOUS took me on quite a journey, not just in the beautiful surrounds of Sydney harbour but more so on a journey of discovering myself.
Curious encouraged me to question, to rethink the established norms of our culture and society. It did so in a way that was not judgemental but rather supported me to think more carefully. I wanted to know more, to make my own discoveries.
I loved the way the two main characters interacted and the light-hearted, yet important dialogue.
Curious has been written not only to challenge our way of thinking but also to entertain. It is funny in places and certainly uplifting.
This book is truly a gift. I highly recommend it.
27 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2024
Right as the book begins, we are introduced to the main character, Edward. An otherwise successful man who just sold off his first company, his life comes crashing down when his wife requests a divorce- on his last day at work, no less. This sets Edward on a depressive spiral as he attempts to glean meaning from his life. And with a lot of time now on his hands, he does just that.

This book explores the meaning of life through Edwards adventures. It will make you think, introspect, and give you the odd chuckle.
Profile Image for Donna Costello.
Author 9 books67 followers
September 2, 2024
Although ‘Curious’ is an unconventional novel, I really enjoyed it. It was great to break free of the restrictions of normal genre fiction and immerse myself in something a little different.
The author strikes an excellent balance between addressing thought provoking big picture topics and humour. I found this to be a really compelling book that made me consider some aspects of my own life.
If you are looking for a change of pace, this book is defo for you.
Profile Image for Emily Peters.
2 reviews
October 24, 2024
Although this genre is not usually my cup of tea, I found ‘Curious’ to be extremely insightful. I loved how it took me on a journey to all different Sydney landmarks. It was a remarkable mix between fiction, history, science, philosophy and so much more that had me hooked from the first chapter.
Profile Image for Milli.
227 reviews
July 28, 2025
I ended up liking this book more than I thought I would. It's about 2 friends and their "thought experiments." Once I got into it, it was interesting. Plus, being set in Sydney, Australia, you learn a lot about the city as the 2 friends meet up for coffee, tea, lunch, and an adventure or 2.
99 reviews2 followers
December 19, 2024
I feel like this must be a mandatory read for anyone! So perfectly delivered, like a gentle conversation with your best friend who is also hilarious! #PhilosFablewright
Profile Image for AMAO.
1,905 reviews46 followers
May 15, 2025
💯💯💯💯💯
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
22 reviews
July 31, 2025
If you are at the right point in life, this is a welcome look at reality.
55 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2025
First – Who should read this? If you are interested in…
1. Friendly debating over a wide variety of topics including (but not limited to): God’s existence, geopolitics, cellular respiration, social media, healthcare, morality, astrophysics, rise of technology, minimalism, and bees
2. Intense internal dialogues and philosophical musings
3. College-level deep discussions on topics that you can bring up with your erudite friends and family

Facts
With a book so accurately named, you pretty much know what you’re getting into and picked it up if you are, in fact, curious. Edward is alone, recently divorced, broke, and writing (or thinking about writing) a book. Inevitably he is left with the question of “Who am I?” that such events engender and not only does he question himself, but he questions the meaning of all aspects of the world and humanity. Luckily, he has his friend, Albert, to bounce thoughts off of, along with Edward’s handy-dandy smart phone.

Feels
I’m genuinely amused after reading some reviews for this book. Whereas some reviewers have likened it to Man's Search for Meaning, Curious seemed much more like a quest for a brain dump of random wonderings. I’ll attribute some of my reading fatigue to initially trying to read Curious as a regular book, which it is certainly not. Read it in CHAPTERS, or even smaller sections, because the conversations are multi-layered/circular/scattered and interspersed with unrelated tangents.

Final Thoughts
A little at a time goes a long way. Follow the author’s advice to periodically put it down, digest, and come back refreshed. Good luck. And do NOT try to read more than two chapters at a time (unless you’re trying to go to sleep).

For Friends/Followers/Fanatics – You know who you are…
Profile Image for Beatrice Manuel.
Author 3 books21 followers
January 13, 2025
Philos Fablewright’s Curious is a remarkable blend of fiction, philosophy, science, history, and humor that captivates the reader from the very first page. At the heart of this thought-provoking novel is Edward, a man who has just achieved a significant milestone—selling his first company—only to have his world turned upside down when his wife unexpectedly files for divorce on his last day at work. This jarring turn of events plunges Edward into a deep depression, prompting him to embark on a quest for meaning in his life during a time when he finds himself with an abundance of free time.

As the narrative unfolds, we witness Edward grapple with the turmoil of his mid-life crisis, but unlike the typical trope of men seeking solace in fast cars or younger partners, Edward's journey is one of introspection. He seeks answers to profound questions that many might overlook, delving into the intricacies of his existence and the nature of happiness. Fablewright's strength lies in his ability to intertwine Edward's personal struggles with larger philosophical explorations, prompting readers to reflect not only on their own lives but also on the experiences that shape humanity as a whole.

The novel invites us to contemplate societal constructs that often dictate our paths and how, in a world devoid of definitive guidebooks, we navigate the complexities of existence. Through Edward's eye-opening revelations, readers are encouraged to ponder their own purpose and direction. Fablewright's clever use of humor provides a counterbalance to the weighty themes, ensuring that while we are touched by Edward’s plight, we also find moments of levity that resonate with our shared human experience.

In conclusion, Curious is not just a story about one man's search for meaning; it is a profound commentary on the universal journey we all undertake. Philos Fablewright masterfully crafts a narrative that is as entertaining as it is enlightening, leaving readers with lingering questions about their own lives long after they’ve turned the last page.

This novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human condition wrapped in an engaging and heartfelt story.
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