maxbarry.com
Tue 31
Mar
2020

New Novel Out Today

Providence So my new book is out! Today! This is the day!

Providence is about four people on a spaceship who are sent to defend Earth against an alien threat. There are other spaceships, but this is the only one that matters. If they fail, everyone is screwed. But that seems unlikely, because when we learned about the aliens, we plowed everything we had into building these ships, which are immensely powerful, and, to be honest, more than seems necessary to deal with aliens who aren’t even that smart.

I try to write stories that are smart and suspenseful. I’m a big fan of both of those. Especially as I get older, I find I need to believe in a book’s characters: I need them to be making smart choices and asking smart questions. But I also love a story that drags me into it because the simple dynamics of the situation are compelling.

So I hope Providence is this. It has aliens and spaceships in it, which is new for me, and something I’ve wanted to do since… well, since I was about fourteen, probably. Because I really love aliens and spaceships. But it had to be smart and suspenseful and character-driven, too. Hopefully I figured out a way to do that.

If you’re in a place where you could do with a good story, please take a look! If not, I hope you’re doing okay—because I know this isn’t a great time for a lot of people. But we are kind of all in it together. I have to say, of all the terrible crises to be facing, I do like how this one puts all of humanity on the same side. It’s not people against people, for once. We get to face this one as a species.

Providence by Max Barry: Learn More

Comments

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Machine Man subscriber Timothy Williams (#4181)

Location: ...in limbo
Quote: ""It is so strange the way things turn.""
Posted: 1457 days ago

Max,

I received my copy via Amazon today. Hey, since the book tour is cancelled, can I ship you my copy of Providence (along with a postage-paid return envelope, 'natch) for you to autograph? That would so totally rock, Max. No pressure, man! But it would be sweet. Timothy Williams

Machine Man subscriber Max

Location: Melbourne, Australia
Quote: "I'm my number one fan!"
Posted: 1457 days ago

Mmm this is an age-old question. On the one hand, I am totally happy to sign books and mail them to people. But because I'm in Australia, the shipping is truly ridiculous, like $50-$100. So my solution has always been to tell people to wait until I visit the US and then either come see me in person or ask the bookstore to get me to sign something for you. And this was a pretty good plan right up until I took forever to publish my next book and then got my book tour canceled.

The other thing that is possible is book plates, where I basically sign a sticker that you can put in the book. Or, I guess, stick on whatever amuses you.

Either way, if this is something you'd like to pursue, email me (on this site, see Max -> Email Max).

Machine Man subscriber Max

Location: Melbourne, Australia
Quote: "I'm my number one fan!"
Posted: 1457 days ago

I just realized I totally assumed your location. If you are Australian, it becomes more feasible.

Robert (#7792)

Location: Kampala, Uganda
Posted: 1456 days ago

Started Providence last night. To be honest, the premise didn't intrigue me but I'm a huge fan of your other work (Lexicon in particular) so I couldn't wait to dig in to Providence. I'm about five chapters in so far and it's excellent - the story's well told and your character work is fantastic! So thank you.

AC5230 (#8185)

Location: The Void
Quote: "Endorse Marrabuk"
Posted: 1455 days ago

great

Machine Man subscriber Max

Location: Melbourne, Australia
Quote: "I'm my number one fan!"
Posted: 1455 days ago

Hooray! Thanks Robert.

Machine Man subscriber Timothy Williams (#4181)

Location: ...in limbo
Quote: ""It is so strange the way things turn.""
Posted: 1451 days ago

Max, thanks for getting back to me! I just emailed you. Totally hooked in the book, BTW! Trying to read slowly to make it last!

Machine Man subscriber Timothy Williams (#4181)

Location: ...in limbo
Quote: ""It is so strange the way things turn.""
Posted: 1437 days ago

Tried very hard to read it slow but at a certain point there just was no stopping!

Loved it!

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