Enigma in Blue
A tale of scientific experiments and research conducted by unique, compelling characters provokes philosophical thought.
In Enigma in Blue, Klaus Bytzek creates a cast of eccentric characters who posit questions about the nature of our universe and the role of business and theology in our world. This combination proves both entertaining and thought provoking.
A Great Pyrenees dog named Blue uncovers a unique rock specimen on the boundary line between two rural properties in Canada. Scientific examination suggests that the specimen came from outside our cosmos and predates the Big Bang, thus raising questions about our understanding of the universe. Because the boundary line between the properties is unclear, a struggle for ownership of the specimen ensues. Leo, an aging engineer and entrepreneur, and his daughter, Katie, own one parcel. The other is owned by an American conglomerate that is about to publish a book on the universe, leaving the senior managing partner “feeling that I am walking alongside God, followed by humanity, during the creation.” When the conglomerate’s attempts to acquire the specimen that will disprove their book fail, tensions mount as the corporation resorts to nefarious tactics.
In Enigma in Blue, Bytzek creates unique characters. Leo may be feigning forgetfulness to make his Katie take more responsibility for his business and, in fact, may have kidnapped Katie as a child. A Native American writer, Katie seems normal but carries on chapter-long conversations with the animal characters in her children’s books. Curtis Marshall is the mercurial, self-centered managing partner of DRT United who relies heavily on his religious guru, Matthew Surtees, but would banish his mother to Europe to further his political ambitions.
Bytzek also provides food for thought. He pits Marshall, who intends to “change the way business, nations and theology interact,” and Surtees, who believes that “the church has good reason for discouraging research into anything that might have preceded the Big Bang,” against Leo, who does not believe in a higher power and thinks the Big Bang “was only a local event in an incomprehensible forever.” Byztek does not attempt to provide easy answers, and this makes the book more interesting.
The cover art depicting Blue where he found the specimen, in silhouette against the backdrop of the red setting sun, perfectly complements the story. Byztek wrote from his strengths as an engineer and entrepreneur in creating his main character, Leo. The resulting story proves novel and provocative.
Reviewed by
Annie Peters
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
