Bellwether : A Novel

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and the arcane secrets of the heart.Sandra Foster studies fadsfrom Barbie dolls to the grunge lookhow they start and what they mean. Bennett O'Reilly is a chaos theorist studying monkey group behavior. They both work for the HiTek corporation, strangers until a misdelivered package brings them together. It's a moment of synchronicityif not serendipitywhich leads them into a chaotic system of their own, complete with a million-dollar research grant, caff latte, tattoos, and a series of unlucky coincidences that leaves Bennett monkeyless, fundless, and nearly jobless. Sandra intercedes with a flock of sheep and an idea for a joint project. (After all, what better animal to study both chaos theory and the herd mentality that so often characterizes human behavior?) But scientific discovery is rarely straightforward and never simple, and Sandra and Bennett have to endure a series of setbacks, heartbreaks, dead ends, and disasters before they find their ultimate answer. . . .Praise for BellwetherOne of science fiction's best writers.The Denver PostConnie Willis deploys the apparatus of science fiction to illuminate character and relationships, and her writing is fresh, subtle, and deeply moving.The New York Times Book ReviewKeen social satire touched with genuine humanity . . . Connie Willis's fiction is one of the most intelligent delights of our genre.LocusA sheer pleasure to read . . . Sprightly, intelligent fun.Publishers Weekly