I was a little Concerned about Peter being a Christian missionary, but this book is not about religion. It is about freedom, friendship, and trust. When Peter arrives on Oasis, he is a very obedient Christian who never strays from the path. This therefore makes him open to embrace other peoples like the Oasans, the natives Whose priest he is to become. Soon, Peter Decides to live withthem and That changes him as well as some of the Oasans.
Speaking of the Oasans: We all know all sorts of aliens from various movies we've seen. The Oasans are different and They are very hard to picture, probably Because our brains arent capable to do so). With his description, Michel Faber does the best anyone can do to make them imaginable by the human brain. To Peter's eyes, and to Those of the other humans on Oasis, They all look the same except for Their differently-colored robes. They also hardly show any feelings or signs of personality, Which makes them indistinguishable Basically until you get to know them better. But When the Oasans and Peter finally warm up to eachother, Michel Faber's brilliant characterization of this unique people Becomes visible.
Even though The Book of Strange New Things is almost 600 pages long it never feels like it. Michel Faber transports you right into this engaging, gripping and simply mind-blowing story about a man who does something most of us would not have the guts to DO.