Regarding Ducks and Universes [ペーパーバック]

Quantum mechanics is one of the most successful theories of modern physics. It works, but nobody quite knows what it means in a fundamental sense. One popular current hypothesis of its meaning is Parallel Worlds - every time two possible outcomes exist (such as a coin flip - heads or tails), the universe splits and each possibility comes true in one of the resultant universes. With time, the two universes will begin to differ as many choices end up being made differently between the two universes.

This is Ms. Maslakovic's first novel, and she has a PhD in electrical engineering which helps her with the scientific side of the story. She bases her book on a parallel universe splitting off, but in this case a scientist has somehow succeeded in maintaining a connection between the two parallel universes. People can even travel between the universes and meet their alternate self who slowly begins to differ over time, becoming more like a fraternal twin. Our hero, Felix Sayers, is considering writing a mystery novel and becomes obsessed that his Alternate will beat him to the punch, so he decides to travel to universe B. While there, someone seems to be trying to kill him. Is someone, and if so, could it be his alternate?

Hmm. This is not the strongest concept to base a novel, but the book turns out to be interesting, lighthearted and it reads quickly. In fact, perhaps it reads too quickly? It does not seem to me that Ms. Maslakovic has included much character development, and there are not complete enough scene descriptions. I recently listened to the audio version of Masques by Patricia Briggs. In the introduction, Ms. Briggs notes that this was her very first book (and it had not done well), but she is now successful and had been given a chance to rewrite it. Ms. Briggs says ruefully about the rewrite, "Why didn't anyone tell me I needed a few descriptions?" I think that Ms. Maslakovic also could have done quite a bit more description-wise. Finally, there is a romantic entanglement story line that could have been better fleshed out giving emotional depth to the character, but has been neglected by the author. However, is Regarding Ducks and Universes a good book despite all this? Yes. It just means it is 4 stars rather than 5 stars. I look forward to reading her next novel, but more descriptions please!

When Felix Sayers discovered he had an alternate self in a parallel universe, he, who was usually so circumspect, careful and settled in his life as a culinary writer, threw caution to the wind, emptied his savings account to buy passage to San Francisco B to snoop - yes, snoop on his alternate, an activity specifically forbidden by law. But Felix had to know if his alter in San Francisco B had written the murder mystery that Felix of San Francisco A had long been planning, but procrastinating about writing.

Add to this delightfully believable adventure the intrigue of an attempted murder and a dollop of romance, and you have this imaginative, thoughtfully constructed book. A fun read, I recommend it.

'Altrernate Universe' stories are not easy to write I'm sure because they have to make sense, at least on the surface. This one makes absolute sense.

In January, 1986, the universe split into two identical pieces. Each earth progressed in its history and as time passed, they became more and more unlike. However, there is contact between the two earths, and in fact people and things can travel between them! THe protragonist, Felix Sayers, is going to write a book. He knows he is, for sure, he just needs to sit down and DO it. But he is obsessed with the idea that the 'other' Felix might write his book first. So he decides to travel to the alternate earth and find out what his alter ego has accomplished.

Thus ensues mytery, murder, mayhem, and genetically altered pets. It's funny, it will make you smile, and at the end you will be surprised.

The big question is, if there are TWO alternative universes, why not more?