Children of the Comet by Donald Moffitt

Do you ever wonder what the future hold for the human race should we still exist when our sun eventually starts to die? 'Children of the Comet' by Donald Wolfitt is an imaginative look at one possible scenario.

The novel begins billions of years into our future where humanity has been scattered across the universe and now inhabits comets on which grow giant trees which provide an ecosystem, home and point of worship. This is a primitive culture that has no technological knowledge, a deeply patriarchal society and the bow and arrow is the height of their achievements. They exist in hand-stitched spacesuits the heat for which is provided by a small creature they have to capture on a regular basis. The environment is harsh with virtually zero gravity though this does enable them to raid other trees by launching themselves into space when close enough and also aids in their coming-of-age ritual - the great climb to the top of the tree.  It is this event that the main character, Torris, is preparing for when he is introduced. What happens on his quests sets off a sequence of events that will change the course of humanity.

Happening in parallel to these events is the other half of the story. Set in our relatively near future is the journey of a spaceship sent to colonise and preserve the Human species far from Earth and its solar system.  Two factions end up in control of this ship, one wishing to return to our system, the other wanting to reach the farthest edge of the universe. The uneasy alliance have several conflicts along the way, all of which are well-reasoned and plausible, offering an interesting look at how we interact with each other especially in continual proximity.

At first these timelines seem far too disparate with no obvious link between them.  However a clever bit of writing, effectively making the ship a time capsule, gradually brings the strands together. Though a little confusing at first the science is written in such a way that it is credible (in science fiction terms at least) and never becomes overwhelming.

I found 'Children of the Comet' quite unique and gripping once I got used to the timescales. The two cultures, the phases of human evolution and the science itself make this a very entertaining read that is accessible to anyone.  I am looking forward to reading the other novels that Donald Wolfitt has left us but, in the meantime, can definitely recommend this one.