“‘Feh” says a lot’. And so does Rebecca Goldstein. So much so that only someone with a degree in philosophy would catch every reference in 36 Arguments for the Existence of God, which is part philosophical treatise, part novel. This might seem somewhat daunting at first, and when first reading it I couldn’t help feeling that I was missing out on a lot, but Goldstein explains enough to make it comprehensible, and enjoyable, for your average reader, as long as you put in the time to stop and think about what she’s trying to say. The appendix at the back (explaining, and highlighting the flaws of the 36 arguments around which the novel is based) is interesting even if philosophy isn’t your thing, and clarifies a lot of the central ideas. Each of the 36 chapters is based around an argument; for example the opening chapter is ‘The Argument from the Improbable Self’. This theorizes that the particularity of the self suggests a designer, and focuses on the particular personality and position of Cass Seltzer. It therefore doubles as an introduction to Goldstein’s protagonist, and weaves the philosophical aspects into the structure.

The plot follows psychologist Cass Seltzer, who has recently found critical acclaim with his book ‘The Varieties of Religious Illusion’, which debunks the 36 arguments which claim to prove God’s existence. We explore Cass’s theories about the religious impulse through the other characters in his life, as Goldstein jumps back and forth between Cass’s past (and the figures who dominate it), and his present. We meet certain important characters who have shaped Cass and his intellectual views, including his eccentric idol, Jonas Elijah Klapper, or ‘The Klap’ as Cass’s sceptical ex-girlfriend/best friend Roz wittily christens him; and Azarya, the six year old mathematical prodigy who is heir to the leadership of a fundamentalist Jewish community. Despite its academic weighty-ness, it’s a very emotional book; exploring psychology and the nature of the God impulse, as well as human relationships. 36 Arguments for the Existence of God manages to achieve the rare balance of being truly intellectual and thought provoking, and being entertaining at the same time. If you have an aversion to philosophy or are looking for a light read, this probably isn’t the book for you. In any other circumstance however, I would recommend it as the most interesting and original book I’ve read this year.

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