I will say at the outset that it’s necessary to approach the book with an open mind. It is unlike most science fiction. The author builds a tapestry with many story threads. Some threads are well developed while others aren’t. It’s up to the reader to imagine the whole: the story of humanity’s response to an overwhelming problem that’s bigger than anything we’ve ever had to deal with before. Each reader is a complement to the part of the story they read. The reader gives their story thread a distinct flavor. I thoroughly enjoyed the international cast and the way their voices wove the tapestry of the story.