THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERSHORTLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE 2022FROM THE PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING AUTHOR'Extraordinary’ New York Times'Remarkable’ Observer'Heartfelt’ GuardianTheo Byrne is a promising young scientist who has found a way to search for life on other planets dozens of light years away. He is also the widowed father of a most unusual nine-year-old. His son Robin is funny, loving and filled with plans. He thinks and feels deeply, adores animals and can spend hours painting elaborate pictures. But after a violent outburst from Robin at school, the strength of their close bond will be tested to its limits... What can a father do, when those around him refuse to understand his rare and troubled child? And how can he reveal to his boy the truth about our beautiful, bewildered world?