The Loss of What Is Past is a sweeping science fiction epic that picks up where The Lightning in the Collied Night left off, continuing the journey of physicist and time traveler Kapono Ailana. Set largely in the 22nd century, the story blends time travel, futuristic science, and human emotion into a tale of exploration, both personal and cosmic. Kapono, torn between a lost love from the 2050s and the new life he’s built decades into the future, collaborates with brilliant scientist Aroha Whakatane on antimatter research that unexpectedly leads to a way to send matter—and potentially people—back in time. What begins as a scientific endeavor quickly becomes a deeply emotional struggle about love, loss, ethics, and what it means to let go.

Reading this book felt like watching an aurora borealis—beautiful, mysterious, and just a little haunting. Backman’s writing is richly detailed and deeply empathetic. He has a knack for writing smart characters who talk like real people, with warmth, curiosity, and humor. The pacing takes its time in places, but I didn’t mind. I appreciated the way he slowed down for emotional beats and gave space for characters to breathe. The best parts weren’t the high-tech experiments or the theoretical breakthroughs, they were the tender moments. Kapono’s conversations with his daughter, with Aroha, and the memories of Lai, those were the heartbeat of the story. And while the time travel mechanics were rooted in scientific language, they never drowned the narrative in jargon. Backman managed to make theoretical physics feel surprisingly personal.

The book explores the risks of altering the past with thoughtful care, which I appreciated. At the same time, it sometimes leans toward the idea that grief is best resolved by simply letting go. I found myself wanting a bit more complexity, some gray areas, I think, could’ve added extra depth. A few of the plot developments, while emotionally satisfying, tied up a bit more neatly than I expected. I also would’ve loved to see more of Aroha’s world outside of her work and her connection to Kapono. She’s a compelling character, and there were glimpses of something richer beneath the surface.

The Loss of What Is Past is not just a sci-fi novel; it’s a meditation on time, memory, and the fragile hope of second chances. I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves character-driven science fiction with a beating heart. If you’ve ever wondered what you’d do if you could go back, or if you’ve ever struggled to move on from a love that shaped you, this story will speak to you.

Pages: 315 | ASIN : B0F6VTYMD9