"Solar" is a novel that intertwines themes of climate change, personal ambition, and the complexities of human relationships. The story follows Michael Beard, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist who is anything but the ideal hero. He is flawed, self-absorbed, and struggling with the weight of his own failures, both in his career and personal life. As he grapples with his mediocrity, Beard embarks on a series of questionable choices that highlight his moral ambiguities and idiosyncrasies.
Beard's journey takes him on an exploration of new energy technologies while underscoring the distressing reality of global warming. His involvement in an eco-friendly project reveals not only his professional ambitions but also his inability to connect meaningfully with others. This tension between his scientific pursuits and personal life creates a rich narrative that questions the impact of individual actions on a larger scale, especially in combating climate change.
The novel cleverly balances satire and a serious examination of the socio-political implications of science and innovation. Through Beard's misadventures, readers are prompted to reflect on the contradictions in our approaches to environmental issues. The book ultimately serves as a commentary on human nature, the struggle for redemption, and the pursuit of progress in a world facing environmental crises.