Like a record baby

Reading Robert Charles Wilson's books has been a frustrating experience. While a science fiction writer, he tends to set characters in interesting situations, sees how they react and very often lets the plot wither away. Spin works from start to finish. The characters are solid and interesting as always, but he also keeps the plot moving forward while telling a relevant apocalyptic tale.

The book reads as an allegory about global warming. A few years from now, a shroud falls over the Earth. Scientists calculate that the Earth has about fifty more years of life. At first, no one reacts, but as reality sets in, some turn to end times religion, some seek a scientific solution and others just want to kill themselves. The main character was a childhood friend of twins, one of whom leads the scientific effort while another pursues a faith based path.

The book has a number of fun subplots many of which are ruined by the blurb on the back of the paperback, so don't read it. Wilson is a bit more inventive than usual here, although the ending is a bit standard and predictable. It's a good ending that ties the story together better than he normally does, but it won't blow you over.