logo

53 pages 1 hour read

Benjamín Labatut, Transl. Adrian Nathan West

When We Cease to Understand the World

Benjamín Labatut, Transl. Adrian Nathan WestFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Benjamín Labatut, Transl. Adrian Nathan West

When We Cease to Understand the World

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Various Locations • 20th century

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

When We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamín Labatut, translated by Adrian Nathan West, is a work of historical fiction composed of five linked essay-style chapters that explore the profound and often devastating impacts of scientific advancements, such as the development of mustard gas and the atom bomb, through the stories of the scientists responsible for these breakthroughs and their personal struggles. The book discusses themes like death by suicide, mental health conditions, antisemitic violence, pedophilia, and sexual assault.

Mysterious

Dark

Informative

Unnerving

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.2

48,028 ratings

79%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

When We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamín Labatut, translated by Adrian Nathan West, is a compelling blend of fact and fiction that deeply explores scientific discovery and madness. Reviews praise its intellectual depth and haunting prose, though some find its structure challenging. Overall, it’s lauded for its brilliant narrative and thought-provoking content.

Who should read this

Who Should Read When We Cease to Understand the World?

Readers who relish a blend of historical fiction and scientific exploration will enjoy When We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamín Labatut and Transl. Adrian Nathan West. Fans of Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari and Godel, Escher, Bach by Douglas Hofstadter will find its fusion of intellectual history and gripping narrative compelling.

4.2

48,028 ratings

79%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Various Locations • 20th century

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.