I tried several times, but I just couldn't get into this book. I didn't connect with the writing at all.

DNF

Thank you for the opportunity to read this one.

This book has a different quality about it that makes it very easy to read and make you think about it after you put it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone!

This was interesting. It's got some <i>Logan's Run</i> in it, a little <i>Matrix</i>, a hint of <i>The Island</i> and what ever other dystopian future concepts you want to add. This is set on an archipelago called Prospero. Everyone there has it great but there aren't any children. Instead, people adopt wards at 16, you live your entire life until you get really old and then you go to the Nursery where you are reset and begin a new life. Meanwhile, the support staff all live in lesser conditions on a smaller island called The Annex and you begin to get this sense of us versus them.

Proctor Bennett is a Ferryman. He helps those whose lives are ending get on a ferry to the Nursery where their lives will begin again. Then one day he gets orders to bring his "father" to the ferry and things begins to spin out of control.

I liked it well enough. Cronin has a way of writing though that really bogs me down. It's very dense and long. His vampire trilogy was the same way. I still haven't started the 2nd book because of it.

When people compare Cronin's work to Blake Crouch's, I understand the link. Both feature fabulous world-building with a complex story that unfurls rapidly over the pages, leaving the reader a little bit confused and a little bit breathless. In other words, it has everything I like AND don't like—really vigorous plotting and intriguing sci-fi elements, but a complexity that often feels deliberately obtuse or simply meant to make you feel a little bit dumb. I'd recommend it to sci-fi/speculative fiction lovers with the caveat that I wished I could use Google to understand how it all comes together.

Proctor holds a prestigious and important role in Prospera, a small island based society with two separate and unequal populations. When his father's decline triggers his return to the Nursery, Proctor accompanies him, a journey that gives him insight while raising at least a many questions.

There are strong undercurrents in the society and the story that play out gradually over time. The mysteries, the tangles of relationships all build the remain until the moment of reveal.

The Ferryman, Justin Cronin
Dystopian fiction is one of my favorite genres. Give me a Divergent/Hunger Games/Last Policeman/The Road fictional ride, and I’ll be with you (or in the case of McCarthy, I’ll be in a mental and emotional breakdown, but that’s for another day).
Cronin creates a fascinating alter-world not unlike Panem, though on a smaller scale (and with mostly grown-ups). Through the first 2/3rds of the book, this is mostly intriguing; themes of loss and family, purpose and ethics, and the nature of love are enough to keep me turning pages, even if I am somewhat confused most of the time (which is okay because I know I’m supposed to be). The writing is quick and engaging, the characters interesting, and the conflict is clear early on.
But even when the whole world is off-kilter and down is up and sideways is backwards, there are some things an author just shouldn’t do—things that create a sense of trickery, a betrayal of the agreement made between author and reader. So while this is a fast-paced, character-driven story that poses interesting questions about humanity, the end—well, you’ve been warned.

I was very drawn in by the synopsis and while I enjoyed this there is some things I didn't love. The concept of this book was great, but the execution could've been better.

This was my first time reading this author and I would go back and read some of their backlist.

The Ferryman by Justin Cronin

560 Pages
Publisher: Random House Publishing – Ballantine Books, Ballantine Books
Release Date: May 2, 2023

Fiction, Sci Fi, Fantasy, Futuristic Worlds

Proctor is a Ferryman. He takes people that have life ending issues for reiteration (to be reborn). The souls come back as another form. His wife, Elise, is a designer and leads a busy life. He feels like something is changing in their relationship. He meets Thea at a theatre event and goes to her art gallery. The day he is assigned an assistant he also receives a letter about a necessary retirement. It is his paternal guardian. At the ferry dock, there is an incident and Proctor’s life begins to spiral out of control.

The prologue is Proctor’s mother describing her life and her two memories of Proctor that stand out in her life. The book then switches to Proctor’s point of view and his life. The story is fast paced, the characters are very developed, and is written in the first- and third-person point of view. If you like futuristic worlds, you will enjoy this book.

The farther I read in this book the less I liked it. In order to understand the story the reader must embrace the idea that Prospera's people, even though they are otherwise rational and kind, are incurious about their own completely unnatural biology and their place in a social system. I don't want to spoil the story for anyone but really, I could not suspend my disbelief.

The book is set on Prospera, an island paradise hidden from the rest of the world by an impenetrable electromagnetic barrier. “Prosperans,” as the glorious inhabitants are called, enjoy a civilization “free of all want and distraction.” They devote their attractive selves entirely to “creative expression and the pursuit of personal excellence.” Prospera lies. In the ocean. It is hidden from the horrors of the outside world. Prospera is made up of three islands. It isn’t perfect as it does have social divisions. Only the wealthy live on the largest island. The Annex is where the working class citizens and support staff live. The other island is the Nursery. For the wealthy, they are fitted with a monitor that supposedly measures their physical and mental health. When a person has an unacceptable low level, the citizen is retired. The person is taken to the Nursery in order to have memories wiped
And their old bodies renewed to start a new life. They go back and are adopted as “wards” by Prospera couples. Then this whole cycle starts again. Proctor Bennett is a Ferryman. It is his duty to accompany residents by boat to the Nursery island. He and other ferrymen help the person who is being “rebooted” is to make the transition with dignity. However, Proctor finds that he is to take his father to the Nursery where his father makes a scene and gets a strange message to him. Proctor has failed at that task — it was a significant moment where everyone stopped and watched. He will need to make a report about it. The message from his father causes Proctor to question everything about himself and his beliefs. Why does he dream? That is not suppose to happen. What made his mother commit suicide years ago? Will he find the answers he needs?

The author has written a science fiction novel with an underlying mystery. By the time I got to the end of the novel, I wondered how I got there. There is a surprise. Things are not what they are suppose to be. It’s a large book that moves with an astounding quickness.

Cronin's The Ferryman is incredibly well thought and detailed. The "twist" at the end is thought provoking, I thoroughly enjoyed the ethical implications of the virtual world that was built.

A pretty generic sci-fi dystopian but with heartwarming themes of family. I saw all the big plot twists coming, but that’s not always a bad thing.

I was really looking forward to this book because I have liked Justin Cronin's previous works. However, I don't think anything could have saved this. The story slogged along at a snails pace. Everything fell flat for me and the good parts weren't all that interesting.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick. Our library purchased and our patrons have been checking out and and enjoying the book. I see it is a popular book club choice as well we hope to have more oppurtinies to support authors like them

This was an exhilirating, fast-paced standalone that rekindled my love for Cronin's writing. Really enjoyed this one and looking forward to see what else Cronin decides to write in the future.

Justin Cronin did it again. Every time I finish one of his books, I feel as though I traveled to a far away land. A place that my heart misses.

The Ferryman is a long read, I’m not gonna lie. But the journey is worth it! Each time one chapters ends, you are greeted with a new one that is just as interesting! The story is complex and intriguing. The characters you are introduced to throughout the story, become your close personal friends. You care about what happens to them.

Would highly recommend this to everyone!

A very long story! The story is a journey of the earth ending and finding renewal in other worlds. Lots of twists, a bit confusing to know what is real at times. Great description of characters and story flow. A lot is like a sci fy trip meets dystopia adventure.

Justin Cronin, author of “The Passage,” presents his latest masterpiece, “The Ferryman.” This novel is a singular, enchanting, and profoundly thought-provoking work. the author takes readers on an emotionally intricate journey, stretching the bounds of imagination through his eloquent prose and captivating scenes.

The narrative unfolds through multiple points of view, with Proctor as the primary narrator. It commences as Proctor is tasked with escorting his ageing father to “The Nursery.” Yet, Cronin skillfully navigates between past and present, weaving Proctor’s history and the genesis of Prospera into the narrative with a gentle, undulating rhythm.

“Part science fiction, part dystopian fantasy,” “The Ferryman” offers an unflinching portrayal of humanity at its zenith and nadir. The characters, despite their multitude, are individually distinct. Cronin masterfully prompts readers to scrutinize their own morals and belief systems, leaving a lasting impression that extends far beyond the novel’s conclusion.

Loved this book and highly recommend this one.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is another ‘expanding my reading horizons’ book pick – not my traditional literary/historical fiction fare, but quite satisfying, nonetheless. As I expand my reading tastes, I find I am enjoying dystopian fiction, of which the majority of this book was. [Until it appears I was wrong… and it took a sci-fi turn, which, admittedly, is farther outside my comfort spectrum… ]

I enjoyed the mind-bending aspects of this book and the deep characterization – as well as the themes related to the power of dreams, parent-child relationships, the various kinds of families that exist, and even the way humans seem incapable of ‘getting it right’ re: our relationship with the Earth.

I admit – since I don’t read this type of fiction, my brain kind of hurts. In a good way. This felt like a bit of a mind*uck… All the twists and turns and the guessing (and sometimes confusion—though a ‘good’ confusion)… It’s the kind of storyline that, as a movie, I grapple with afterwards because my mind is mostly primed for “reality” or “plausibility.’

The writing in this book was, surprisingly, sublime to me. I won’t say more than others already have plot wise, because you just have to experience it. And I will say, as a newbie to this kind of sci-fi-dystopian hybrid, I saw nothing coming, felt a bit of intellectual, mind-warp whiplash (and wondered, “what kind of an artistic mind can come up with this kind of creativity and keep all the dots connected? Kind of amazing.)”

So, yeah... I surprised myself once again. Even the parts I didn’t think I’d like, I ended up appreciating. Not necessarily my go-to or ‘gravitate toward’ genre, but really happy to have read.

Many thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the e-copy of the book in exchange for my ‘brain-ache’ reading experience.

"The Ferryman" by Justin Cronin is a book that exceeded all my expectations. It's not your typical read; it's a captivating blend of supernatural elements, intricate storytelling, and deep philosophical themes.

From the very beginning, I was drawn into the mysterious world Cronin created. The characters felt real and relatable, making their journeys even more compelling. I found myself emotionally invested in their struggles, particularly the enigmatic figure of the Ferryman, whose story unfolds in a way that keeps you guessing until the end.

Cronin's writing style is simply fantastic. It's eloquent and vivid, painting a rich and immersive picture of the story's eerie setting. I was easily transported to this atmospheric world, which added to the overall sense of foreboding and mystery.

What sets "The Ferryman" apart for me is its exploration of profound themes like guilt, redemption, and the search for meaning in the face of despair. The characters' emotional journeys left a lasting impact on me, and the book made me reflect on these themes long after I finished reading.

The structure of the novel, with its multiple perspectives and timelines, adds layers of complexity and intrigue. The pacing is spot-on, and the gradual revelation of mysteries keeps you hooked throughout.

In short, "The Ferryman" is a five-star read in my book. It's a thought-provoking, beautifully written story that seamlessly blends supernatural elements with deep, relatable themes. If you're looking for a book that challenges you, takes you on a thrilling ride, and leaves you pondering life's big questions, this is it. Highly recommended!