Secret Passages

Book excerpt: On the isle of Crete, a renowned physicist experiments with the nature of reality in this enthralling novel from the author of Broken Symmetries. Secret Passages follows the life of mathematics prodigy Manolis Minakis from the quiet hills of Crete to the lofty chambers of Cambridge University. Upon his retirement, Minakis returns to his Greek island home a renowned physicist and successful industrialist—and ready to embark on his true life’s work. Using a cache of Minoan treasures, Minakis lures photographer Anne-Marie Brand and her husband, theoretician Peter Slater, to aid in his attempts to recover the past and understand the true nature of reality. Set against the colorful Mediterranian backdrop, the legendary home of a once-great civilization, this enigmatic novel resonates deeply with both the brain and heart. Admired by legendary science fiction author Roger Zelazny for “his knowledge and artistry,” Paul Preuss returns to the characters and setting of his acclaimed novel Broken Symmetries in an indirect sequel that is “highly recommended for both fiction and sf collections” (Library Journal). “Mr. Le Carre, meet Dr. Feynman! . . . [T]his one really makes the earth move.” —Ursula K. Le Guin “[An] intensely believable SF novel . . . should appeal to those curious about how real science gets done.” —Publishers Weekly