Jostein Gaarder - Maya

Jostein Gaarder's Maya is a philosophical mystery that intertwines the lives of four characters on the paradise island of Taveuni in Fiji. The story centers on Frank Andersen, a Norwegian evolutionary biologist, and John Spoke, a grieving English novelist, who encounter the enigmatic Spanish couple, Ana and José. Their brief meeting triggers a complex narrative that unfolds across different times and locations. The novel explores profound questions about existence, love, and the universe, using themes of evolution and consciousness. As the characters' stories intertwine, the meaning of the Hindu concept of "Maya," or illusion, is examined. The plot is further enriched by mysterious elements, including the significance of playing cards and the appearance of a time-traveling dwarf. Gaarder masterfully combines intellectual and spiritual content with a suspenseful plot, challenging readers to question their perceptions of reality.