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Written By: Oliver Heffron
When We Cease to Understand the World, a diverse and genre-shifting series of meditations from Chilean author Benjamín Labatut explores the connection between abysmal scientific discovery, personal horror, and the societal catastrophes of the 20th century. Vitalizing unbelievable things that actually happened, the fascinating and masterful book explores the profound universal mysteries which unraveled and bewitched the minds behind the 20th century’s most significant and terrifying discoveries. While the expertly researched history is enlightening and fascinating, what makes Labatut’s book an unforgettable and powerful read is his careful employment of fiction to unravel and express the deep, haunting and universal mystery which lies just beyond the borders of a scientific equation and nonfiction.
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