Notes on Infinity: A Journey Through Ambition and Disillusionment
When I stumbled upon Notes on Infinity by Austin Taylor, I was immediately intrigued by its premise: two ambitious Harvard undergrads on the brink of revolutionary discovery in reversing aging. As a recent graduate myself, navigating the tumultuous waters of ambition and uncertainty, the book seemed like a perfect reflection of my own experiences. So, with a grateful nod to Celadon Books for the early copy, I dove in, eager to explore the intricacies of Zoe and Carter’s journey.
The first 80% of Notes on Infinity captivated me. Zoe’s voice resonated deeply; her dreams and aspirations reminded me of my own startup ambitions. What struck me particularly was how Taylor deftly illustrated the evolution of Zoe, a bright young woman aiming to change the world. There’s an authenticity in her struggles, especially as she initially seems laser-focused on her scientific goals but gradually finds herself swept away by unforeseen external and internal pressures. Frankly, I’ve seen this drift happen, both in myself and in peers, which made Zoe’s journey incredibly relatable. I appreciated that, where some reviews criticized her character development as unrealistic, I found it a poignant truth about the fragility of ambition.
The dynamics between Zoe and Carter initially intrigued me. Jack’s observation that “they were inevitable” spoke volumes about the undercurrents of their relationship. However, I felt a dissonance in their connection that was never fully explored, leaving me longing for more coherence. In contrast, Jack’s perspective, with its dreamlike quality, added a layer of complexity that fleshed out the narrative. I found myself empathizing with his choices, which, to me, highlighted the multifaceted nature of relationships in high-stakes environments.
But as I turned the final pages, my heart sank. The ending felt like a jarring disconnect from the thoughtful buildup Taylor had so meticulously crafted. I couldn’t quite grasp what the book was trying to convey. Was I missing a deeper message, or was it simply lost in translation? Zoe’s lack of resolution mirrored a broader frustration, particularly poignant for a woman in STEM like myself. Her journey, which could have served as a narrative of empowerment, ended with a bitter sense of failure and no clear redemption. It left me wondering if Taylor intended to offer a critique of ambition in male-dominated fields, but ultimately, it felt like a step backward rather than forward. The message seemed shrouded in a discouragement that cut too close to home.
Overall, Notes on Infinity is a beautifully narrated exploration of ambition and the often harsh realities that accompany it. If you’re captivated by coming-of-age stories that weave in science and philosophy, this book has much to offer. However, tread carefully around the ending—it may resonate differently depending on your experiences. While I appreciated elements of the story and Taylor’s undeniable talent, I can’t shake the disappointment from that final note. It’s a book to engage with thoughtfully, but it may not inspire the uplift I had hoped for. As I move forward, I hope for more nuanced endings in the stories I explore—ones that uplift and inspire the next generation of dreamers.