Special Topics in Calamity Physics
Special Topics in Calamity Physics
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006
Book Brief
519
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1990s
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Marisha Pessl's debut mystery novel Special Topics in Calamity Physics, Blue van Meer, a brilliant and bookish teenager, attends the prestigious St. Gallway School in North Carolina. After the mysterious death of her intriguing teacher Hannah Schneider, Blue becomes embroiled in uncovering the truth about Hannah's past, her connections, and whether she died by suicide or was murdered, amidst the complexities of high school life and her own family's secrets.
Mysterious
Gritty
Contemplative
Suspenseful
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
49,085 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Marisha Pessl's Special Topics in Calamity Physics impresses with its inventive narrative and cerebral prose, drawing readers into an intricate, layered mystery. Critics praise its originality and engaging voice but note that its dense references and elaborate structure can overwhelm. While polarizing, it remains a bold, thought-provoking debut.
Who Should Read Special Topics in Calamity Physics?
A reader who delights in intricately plotted mysteries, intellectual puzzles, and richly layered narratives will treasure Marisha Pessl's Special Topics in Calamity Physics. Fans of Donna Tartt's The Secret History and Vladimir Nabokov's Pale Fire will find similar themes of academia, erudition, and dark secrets compelling.
49,085 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
519
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1990s
2006
Adult
18+ years
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