"The Chronoliths" is a small science fiction novel by Robert Charles Wilson recounting in just over three hundred pages of invasion history. But an invasion to say the least, since it will occur only twenty years later, and is announced by memorial obelisks sent in the past and intended to impress future victims. The text is supported by the excellent Wilson storytelling talent. Not one second did we doubt the future he describes or tragic consequences for humanity entails the simple fact of knowing that twenty years later, a Lord of the unknown war reign over most of the planet. Narrated in the first person by a character intimately involved in the events without knowing really what role he will play in the future - and that is somewhat similar to the character of Roy Neary in Close Encounters of the third kind, the story remains compelling from start at the end.
The problem of temporal paradox is approached from an original angle, both by the presence of Chronoliths sent in the past to sit Kuin victory even before it takes place, by the unexpected ending. Scientific explanations to the very existence of the monuments and their way of materializing have the appearance of credibility and do not undermine the realism of the future described.
A synopsis that can arouse the interest of a science fiction reader, very endearing carried by a nice style, a universe that arouses interest for its resemblance to ours ... That's a good novel exciting - especially as he reads quickly - which makes you want to be read quickly - if only because like all stories mixing past and future references dot the narrative that remain invisible to the first reading . And that also makes me want to read and reread Robert Charles Wilson ...
