'Existence' by David Brin

Existence, David Brin (3.5)

Mr. Brin is probably best known for his Uplift series, a far-reaching science fiction story involving ‘enhanced’ dolphins that pilot spaceships.  ‘Existence’ is set earlier in human’s history, but the dolphins make a brief appearance.  Brin has focused here on a nearer future where humanity looks hopefully to the sky for evidence of life beyond earth.  Much of the book follows various characters over many years as they discover and interact with the evidence of aliens that has made its way to earth.  The techniques and complications of the alien contact were refreshing in that they took unique directions.  I found this part of the book quite compelling.  Unfortunately the last two sections (of 8 total) felt rushed and very complicated.  Brin’s afterword helped to tie the themes together for me, but I would have appreciated less bulk in the first sections and more in the climax and denouement.