Since 2002, when the 850 page The Crimson Petal and the White was published, Michel Faber's fans have been waiting for another major novel. It's has finally arrived. Although not quite as long at 560 pages, it's long enough, and enigmatic enough, to satisfy. Faber's books have always defied easy categorisation, this one more than most, and it's difficult to know what to say about it that wouldn't be as likely to put off potential readers as to encourage. That would be a pity, because, as unlikely as it may seem from what I'm going to say about it, it's definitely worth reading. It's set in the future. It's largely set on another planet, apparently billions of miles from Earth. There is a human colony on this planet, set up by a mysterious corporation called USIC. We don't learn anything about them, not even what USIC stands for. They have figured out a way to travel vast distances in space, probably through wormholes or something, as it apparently doesn't take long to get there. The main character, Peter, is a priest who is sent to this planet to bring the word of God to the aliens who live there. His wife Beatrice is not chosen to accompany him, but they are able to communicate via a kind of email. As Peter becomes more involved in his ministry, and life back on Earth becomes ever more difficult - natural and economic disasters, massive instability - Peter and Bea's relationship inevitably starts to fracture. The book is written in Faber's trademark fast-paced, smooth, apparently effortless style, but with much of the really significant action happening off the page. It's an oblique, enigmatic style, which leaves you with much to ponder. There is no one quite like Michel Faber; if you've read him before and liked him, then you will need to read this.