The Passage

Author: Justin Cronin
Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Thriller
923 pages
Publisher: Orion Books, 2010

Synopsis
The Passage by Justin Cronin blends elements of science fiction, horror, and post-apocalyptic fiction. The story is set in a near-future America where a government experiment goes horribly wrong, unleashing a plague that turns humans into vampire-like creatures known as virals.

The novel is divided into several parts, each focusing on different characters and time periods. The story begins with the discovery of a virus in South America that has remarkable regenerative properties. The U.S. government sees this as an opportunity to create a new breed of super soldiers and initiates Project NOAH, which involves injecting death row inmates with the virus.

One of the test subjects is a young girl named Amy Harper Bellafonte, who is abandoned by her mother and taken in by the FBI agent in charge of the project, Brad Wolgast. As Wolgast forms a bond with Amy, he begins to question the ethics of the experiment.

Eventually, the virals escape from the facility and unleash a global pandemic. The novel then jumps ahead several decades to a post-apocalyptic world where small communities of survivors struggle to survive in a world overrun by virals. Among them is a young girl named Amy, who appears not to have aged a day since the outbreak.

As the survivors try to make sense of the new world and uncover the truth behind the pandemic, they are forced to confront their deepest fears and darkest desires. The novel explores themes of survival, humanity, and the nature of good and evil, culminating in a thought-provoking climax that sets the stage for the sequels, The Twelve and The City of Mirrors.

My review
The Passage by Justin Cronin is a novel that ambitiously blends elements of science fiction, horror, and post-apocalyptic fiction into a sprawling narrative that spans generations. While the novel has received widespread acclaim and has a dedicated fan base, my personal experience with it was mixed.

One of the strengths of the novel is its richly developed world-building. Cronin creates a vivid and immersive post-apocalyptic landscape, filled with detailed descriptions of the decaying world and the horrors that inhabit it. The novel’s structure, which spans several time periods and perspectives, adds some depth to the story and allows for a broader exploration of its themes.

However, the novel’s ambitious scope also proves to be one of its weaknesses. At over 900 pages, The Passage is a dense and at times slow-moving read. The pacing can be uneven, with long stretches of introspection and that certainly tested my patience. Additionally, the novel’s large cast of characters can be difficult to keep track of, especially as the narrative jumps between different perspectives and time periods.

Overall, I admire the ambition and creativity of The Passage and was excited to read it after experiencing the magical world of Cronin’s The Ferryman – one of my favorite books in 2023. I enjoyed the first third of the book immensely; however, after the time jump about a third of the way in, I found the story and writing challenging and times frustrating to read. I can see why it has resonated with so many readers and appreciate its unique take on the post-apocalyptic genre. I’m glad I finished The Passage but will not continue reading the rest of the series.

My recommendation: give it a try. The first third of the book is very good. Afterwards, you’ll find out quickly if the rest of the book is to your liking.