You will want to take time to read FOE twice. Iain Reid’s remarkable and memorable sophomore effort (after 2016’s I’M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS) is full of questions, surprises and quiet twists and turns the first time through. A second look will provide the reader with an opportunity to examine the construction and beauty of the book, particularly through its middle passages, which deceptively seem to hum rather than sing, yet are so important to what is occurring within the tale’s stratum.

FOE is set in the near future in an unspecified location that is probably somewhere in Canada. It is told from the first person present point of view of Junior, who has been married for several years to Henrietta (“Hen”), with the two of them living quietly in a farmhouse. They are more or less isolated, though both are employed. Junior works in a warehouse, and Hen performs some sort of unspecified clerical work.

"Reid continues to retain the ability to immerse readers totally and entirely into a world like our own with situations that almost, but don’t quite, seem familiar. The resultant discomfort makes for a compelling read that demands to be absorbed in one sitting..."

The novel begins with their lives being disrupted by the late-night arrival of a stranger. Terrance has a very odd story to tell: Junior has made the cut through a lottery system designed to ultimately pick a select group of people to populate a vaguely described space colony. Junior is only slightly familiar with the idea and isn’t comfortable leaving his quiet, predictable life with Hen. Terrance tells Junior and Hen that a final decision ultimately will be made and they should enjoy their time together while they can.

Terrance returns two years later with the news that Junior has made it through the final selection process. He also tells them that Junior will be gone for several years, but will be replaced by a robotic entity that will be identical to him. Terrance then begins insinuating himself more and more deeply into the couple’s lives. The situation becomes increasingly bizarre, not only for Junior and Hen but also for the reader. One wonders why one or both of them does not simply rise up and throw Terrance out so they can get on with their lives. All is ultimately made clear, but the answers to the multiple puzzles raised here are as disturbing as the questions themselves.

Topically, FOE put me in the mind of a couple of my favorite authors whose names I really can’t reveal without giving away, at least in part, the game that Reid has so carefully and fully constructed. Those who have read I’M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS will be pleased to note that this latest work is nothing like that worthy novel, except for one important detail: Reid continues to retain the ability to immerse readers totally and entirely into a world like our own with situations that almost, but don’t quite, seem familiar.

The resultant discomfort makes for a compelling read that demands to be absorbed in one sitting, as well as for wistful anticipation for what will come next from Reid’s mind and keyboard. You won’t forget FOE any time soon.