Notes on infinity

Notes on Infinity
Austin Taylor
Penguin Random House UK 2025

Notes on Infinity is a coming-of-age novel about two young scientists ready to change the world. Themes of love, ambition and ego weave their way through a narrative about Zoe and Jack who want to live forever, and think they may have the answer to how.  Described by Lucy Clarke as ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ meets ‘Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow’; this is such a perfect comparison, I couldn’t not mention it. Like in Gabrielle Zevin’s novel, I read this with the fascination of an outsider. It’s about a biotech startup, a topic with which I have no clue. Yet despite my ignorance, I was quickly swept into the Harvard science world and became completely invested in Zoe and Jack’s story.
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I was beginning to have doubts as the story neared its end. At times I was confused about flashbacks and present time, unsure where I was in the timeline. As I reflect now, I feel that Taylor did this intentionally to reflect the disjointed and hopeless trajectory of the characters. I was still questioning the ending right up until the last six words, and in their simplicity, I felt relief. So yes, I would recommend this book.