Oh Pure and Radiant Heart

“In Millet’s surreal fifth novel, three physicists—Oppenheimer, Enrico Fermi, and Leo Szilard—are transported from their posts during the Second World War to the year 2003. After overcoming the usual time-travel quandaries—shock at children shouting expletives, unfamiliarity with power steering—the trio, being geniuses, quickly adapt. Szilard starts quoting rap lyrics. In penitence for their contributions to the creation of the atomic bomb, they set off on a mission to promote world peace, only to have their message hijacked by religious fanatics who believe that Oppenheimer is a herald of the Second Coming. The scientists want to stop nuclear proliferation, but it’s the proliferation of stereotypes—relentlessly chipper New Agers, soulless Wall Street executives, militant evangelicals—that sabotages the author’s attempt at lyrical transcendence.”
—The New Yorker

“An entirely original novel: equal parts funny and chilling, accurate and bizarre.”
—Philadelphia Weekly

“The pushed-to-the-edge characters, lavish details and suspenseful plot are mesmerizing.”
—Chicago Tribune

“Brilliant and fearless . . . a shattering and beautiful work.”
—Entertainment Weekly

“Compassionate satire . . . a terrific premise and writing so assured that readers should be lining up for admission to this dystopia.”
—Christian Science Monitor

“Possesses the nervy irreverence of Kurt Vonnegut and Joseph Heller . . . Can only be described as, well, genius.”
—Vanity Fair