What if?

Harvey Gillman reviews an imaginative exploration of the world where science meets spirituality

by Harvey Gillman 26th October 2012

Linda Hoy is a well-known children’s novelist – one of her books is a set text in schools – and a Friend. She is also an explorer who has presented us with a book – The Effect: Where science meets spirituality – that I can only describe as warm-hearted, imaginative, a mine of information, eccentric and slightly outrageous. It is wonderful to read something by someone who is willing to re-examine her own prejudices in such a witty manner and with such style. It is an autobiography of sorts, a description of an educational process, a journey into belief and meaning, with angels and Quakers, and marginalised scientists in attendance.