The Unthinkable Truth

by Yona Bouskila

Are your choices really your own?

An unflinching exploration of the mind, layered with tension — by a neuroscientist.

When UNESCO convenes a team of distinguished experts — scientists, philosophers, and an advanced AI — their mission is as bold as it is fascinating: to uncover the hidden forces behind human choice.

For George Bennet, a mild-mannered physicist still reeling from personal tragedy, the invitation offers both distraction and purpose. But as their inquiry takes an unexpected and dangerous turn, the team uncovers truths that threaten not only their lives but humanity's freedom itself.

Where cutting-edge yet accessible science meets thought-provoking thriller, The Unthinkable Truth explores what it truly means to be human. Its profound and startling conclusion will leave readers questioning their own nature.


PRAISE FOR THE UNTHINKABLE TRUTH

"Must read. Incredible ... prepare to have thought provoked." —David Powers, author and professor of computer and cognitive science

"A gripping blend of science and fiction that challenges everything we think we know about free will... left me equal parts fascinated and unsettled, challenging some of my deepest assumptions about choice, control, and responsibility."—Dr Pete Kelly, Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

"A thrilling dive into the human mind... intellectually stimulating and emotionally invested... ability to weave real scientific research into the narrative is nothing short of genius."—Vdeva, Audible

"The author has written about such a deeply scientific topic in a way that the average person can enjoy, understand and contemplate in a wonderfully paced way."—Jess, Amazon

"This novel could have a profound effect on the real-world criminal justice system... you will open your mind to new ideas and maybe view the world a little differently than you did before."—Catherine Potter, Amazon

"Mind-bending and Thrilling! It's a perfect mix of science, intrigue, and deep thinking. Highly recommend!"—Knowledge1000

"If you're into science, thrillers, or just love stories that make you think... it's one of those rare books where the more you read, the more you question your own life and choices."—Andre van Eeden

"Literally mind blowing! This book completely blew my mind and made me question everything I thought I knew about free will and the human mind... the conclusion left me speechless."—Lacey, Audible

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction

335 pages, Paperback

Published May 28, 2024

About the author

A scientist by training, a thinker by nature, and an author by passion, Yona Bouskila is a neuroscientist fascinated by the human mind. He holds a PhD from UCLA, has conducted brain research in the US and Europe, and has been involved in medical research and development.

His debut science thriller, The Unthinkable Truth, blends real science with gripping suspense to deliver an unsettling, thought-provoking look at what drives human choices. He also writes short stories, often with a humorous twist.

He lives in England with his family and pets, where he enjoys the countryside and contemplating life.


Check out his official website for news and updates at https://www.yonabouskila.com/

Reviews

[seher · Rating 4 out of 5]

☾ review ↬ 4.25 ★
it’s extremely difficult to find words for this book because of its complexity and richness. even though it’s declared a thriller, the genre doesn’t do it justice.

the thrilling elements were not even the real focus of this book since the first half is purely theoretical and scientific input. i totally understand if this book is not for everyone; some might find it boring. the first half had no plot but talk and information: academic research regarding neuroscience, physics, law, and philosophy. it’s a lot, but i was immensely interested and overwhelmed in the best possible way.

did i understand everything? most certainly not. however, i was still so fascinated by the reality aspect of everything; my mind could not fathom all the possibilities regarding human nature and free will.

this is a book i’ll definitely want to reread in ten or even twenty years. it’s serious. these kinds of books enlighten and inform readers tremendously, and i’m glad i liked this one so much because it has a huge impact on me, my knowledge, and my way of thinking.

if you’re looking for a simple and entertaining thriller, please don’t read this book. it’s difficult to follow and intricate. however, if you want to educate yourself and think about everything you’ve read for the longest time possible, go for it. the essence of this book will not let you go, and i really believe you’ll be changed forever because of the qualitative input.

to put it short, this book altered my brain chemistry. i'll never be the same.

thank you, netgalley and yona bouskila, for the arc in exchange for my honest review. it means a lot to me, and i appreciate it.

[Tyler Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Completely captivating!

The blurb really sucked me in and I had to read this novel, and I must say I feel like it delivered on what was promised. In this thriller type novel we follow a professor who is looking to get out of a funk so he decided to join an innocent investigation only to later realise everything is not what it seems and its up to him to unravel the threads. This has a complex but interesting plot that does take a minute to fully immerse yourself in but once you push past the first coupled of chapters you really start to sink into the story.

If you're a lover of science this is definitely a novel for you, with intricate theories surrounding physics, neuroscience and philosophy I for sure learnt some stuff while devouring this book. Please pick this book up if you're a thriller lover but also like books that are different and bit out there, you wont be disappointed.

[Beatrice Tibaldini · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are looking at a masterful work of research, study, and investigation, where neuroscience and the resulting philosophy have a significant impact. There are moments of high suspense combined with more tranquil ones and strong, somewhat mysterious characters driven by weaknesses and love.

I'm not sure if calling it a thriller is the best choice because much of this work deals with an immense love for neuroscience, which is undoubtedly the protagonist through which the entire story unfolds. There is a special focus on the theme of free will: is it real or imaginary? The conclusions reached are unique in their way, interesting to read, and it's always stimulating to understand the author's position and how much the individual reader shares it.
This is not an easy read, nor is it a cryptic novel; rather, it is a journey into a world that belongs to us and a means to ask ourselves questions and reflect. You absorb a lot of information during the reading, and in the end, you find yourself convinced that in a few years, you'll come back to these pages to understand some nuances that you might have missed now.

I can only thank NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for allowing me to read the novel in advance.

[pastiesandpages - Gavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

''What do you know about DABI?'
George blinked at the question. DABI was The Definite Answers to Big Issues project. 'I know it aims to analyse and solve some of the most complex and intriguing questions facing humanity,' he replied.'

Scientist and author Yona Bouskila has created something quite unique with his debut novel. A thriller which involves an academic investigation into research of the human mind.

George Bennet is a professor of theoretical physics. He's been on a break since the loss of his wife but is coaxed into accepting an invitation from UNESCO to join a Think Tank in Paris.
Together with two neuroscientists, two psychologists, two philosophers, a legal expert and an AI it's an eclectic team.
Can they come up with a definitive conclusion and what will the results mean for humanity?

It's very much a book of two halves. The first half is very conversation based with the characters talking about many real life scientific studies. It's fascinating but makes for a slow moving plot. If you have no interest in psychology/philosophy/neurology then it could be difficult to get through but I found the writing held my interest and the concepts were well written and made understandable.
There are elements throughout which makes George question why they have been tasked with this and what will happen when the truth comes out.

It's when the team submit their findings of 'the unthinkable truth' that the thriller element kicks into gear with a much faster paced second half. George and his colleagues suddenly find themselves in peril and we get an intelligent & exciting race to the novel's conclusion.

An intriguing mix of scientific research and excitement. An unusual and genre defying debut which the author pulls off with style.

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book.

[Vamos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkably diverse book, seamlessly woven into a single narrative. I found every section of the book captivating. The initial part gradually lays the groundwork for a thought-provoking conclusion. Despite the inclusion of discussions among specialists, the reader can easily follow along. Being experts from very different disciplines, they explain to each other in detail all the necessary scientific findings in an easy-to-understand manner. You don't have to memorize all the studies and facts presented because George sums it up nicely to his team members at the end of this section and ties all the different parts to reach the intriguing conclusion. I enjoyed reading the first part because, without any long and exhausting descriptions, I felt I was in the conference room, able to see the humorous situations and the tension that sometimes developed among the credible characters. The second part of the book, with its exhilarating pace, was truly mesmerizing. In essence, it is a thought-provoking book wrapped in a gripping plot.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for the author’s clear and concise presentation of psychology and neuroscience research relevant to the ancient philosophical question whether people have free will to control their own actions. Are we automatons programmed by our heredity and our personal life experiences, or can we somehow act without constraints or influence from them? The implications of this issue for society, including law and morality, are also presented. The arguments and evidence could have been presented as a rather dry college lecture, but by presenting them in the context of a story with thinking, feeling people, good guys and bad guys, the author makes it a very engaging and thought-provoking read.

[Dollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

George Bennet, a professor of Theoretical Physics at MIT is invited by a world think-tank to be part of a panel of specialists to discuss personal freedom, the concept of free will. Do humans control what we think or do? He is joined by a group of philosophers, neuroscientists, and psychologists. The summit takes place in Paris, where George and his late wife, Ella, had shared several wonderful vacations. He is just coming out of mourning. Upon arriving he meets Helen, a psychologist, who has a nice smile and a good sense of humor. At the end of several days when their conclusion is reached and their collective answer is delivered, the doors of their conference room suddenly lock shut. What happens next is unthinkable. It was more than George bargained for. I thought this was an interesting story. I like learning about our brains, what makes us human, and I liked the characters. It wasn’t too long and it kept me turning pages. The author, a neuroscientist and brain researcher, made this story believable. I actually can imagine an incident of this type happening. I appreciated that he included an index, citing all his research.

[Nick James · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty clunky storytelling. It felt so dated stylistically that I checked the copyright date and was surprised it's so recent.

If I want to learn about the free will debate (which I do) I'd rather listen to a podcast (I have listened to a number on the subject) or read an essay (actually I wrote that one) rather than receive a heap of pop-science monologues through the mouths of half a dozen otherwise pretty superfluous characters, topped and tailed in a thin drama.

I specifically didn't like the way that each of the characters are respectively stereotyped, and they all behave in predictable ways according to what they are described as wearing when they are brought together in a mind numbing hail of indroduction overload. If those cariacatured individuals are supposed to add dramatic interest, it rather just feels like heavy amateur theatricals. At least half of the characters don't reflect the plot, it just feels as if they were all plucked out of a catalogue.

If this is an adventure/love story then much of the narrative doesn't help the plot. If this is a dissertation on free will then it doesn't need the love story/adventure.

The publisher's hype here on Goodreads specifically is not relevant either 'Only one thing is certain: humanity will never be the same.' Actually that's the opposite of the book's own clearly-stated conclusion.

I gave it two - the action bit near the end did have me page-turning so that almost but not quite persuaded me to give it one more.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A group of experts in psychology, physics, neuroscience, philosophy and law is gathered at UNESCO headquarters in Paris for a very hush-hush think tank about whether humans really have free will.

The fact that the author is a scientist and all the studies mentioned are real made me constantly say “holy sh*t!” I mean, it’s a work of fiction, but there is a lot to be learned from the real science presented.

For example:

If you ask someone to hold a cup of coffee, they will think of you as a warm person. If you ask them to hold a cold drink, they will think of you as a cold person.

Judges give harder sentences when sitting on hard chairs.

A brain scan can indicate a choice made up to 11 seconds before the person reports making the decision.

People who are unaware of why they performed a behavior will convince themselves of some reason.

Showing someone a list of words associated with politeness vs. rudeness will influence that person’s behavior.

People’s biases toward their own names and birthdays often play a subconscious role in life choices like who to marry, where to live and what job to do. Y’all, both men I married have C names. And I bought stock in Carrier. LOL

I can’t really believe we have no free will, but the amount of evidence that we are really easily manipulated is breathtaking.

Oh yeah, and since I’ve said this much already, might as well spoil it the rest of the way. The group concludes we don’t have free will, but most of them also conclude that they are obliged to share the findings. The man in charge disagrees and keeps them locked up for 4 days, then says they can leave after they all get their memories erased (partially). The friendly AI in the room helps two escape and after a big car chase with a stolen limo, several phone calls and a man disguised as a cleaner breaking into the secure location, and physicist George finally asking psychologist Helen out, all is put right at the end. Or is it?! Dun dun DUUUN!

[Jean-Pierre Legros · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is truly exceptional. It provides a complete overview of the neuroscience of free will in the form of a thriller which greatly lightens the subject. A real tour de force. Readers who are more interested in the plot than the science will find the neuroscientific part too detailed. Yet this book is their best chance to delve in depth into such an essential subject. The target audience is very broad. Progression is easy thanks to a debate between the protagonists, both specialists in one aspect of free will and neophytes on the others. They explain delicate points to each other in clear language. The investigation pulls the reader towards the final conclusion without ever losing them. For those in a hurry it is possible to jump to page 177, where George gives a very good summary of the discussion (starting from “George, the stage is yours”).

Yona's book is excellent, however its conclusions on free will are false. I would have liked to discuss it with the author, who has been remarkably well documented on his subject but has not read my own books, which are better known to the philosophical than the neuroscientific community. Neuroscience reasons in a linear way and has not yet understood what mental complexity means. Free will is neither independence nor an illusion. It has a depth that grows with the complexity of the psyche throughout life. This is a crucial point because it changes Yona’s conclusions about responsibility and justice. Taking complexity into account brings us back to the common sense used until today: we grade the responsibility of the offenders according to their age, without having done the slightest study in neuroscience...

I am preparing a detailed article on this subject. Follow this blog:
https://surimposium.rhumatopratique.c...

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE UNTHINKABLE TRUTH by Yona Bouskila is a contemporary, adult, sci-fi, thriller focusing on free will-real or an illusion?

Told from several third person perspectives including theoretical physicist George Bennet, THE UNTHINKABLE TRUTH follows in the wake of an invitation to UNESCO in Paris France where a delegation of the world’s most educated and brilliant authorities in their fields, find themselves with a conundrum. Days spent deliberating the possibility of free-will, the team’s conclusion and ultimate decision is met with resistance, and the greatest minds will become prisoners of a mad-man determined to take control, at any cost.

Quoting real-world science research and fact, the first fifty percent of THE UNTHINKABLE TRUTH reads like a multi-discipline dissertation focusing on aspects of sociology, psychology, social-psychology, physics, experiments, ethics, theories, studies and conclusions. At times, difficult to comprehend (unless the reader is aware of the background), all of the quotations and examples, sets the frame of reference for what is to come. Constructing the groundwork and framing the inevitable conflict for THE UNTHINKABLE TRUTH, the complicated and multi-layered first half of the story references many famous and infamous social and psychological experiments, most of which were and continue to be unethical today. When the team discovers the truth, the illegal, unscrupulous and disreputable fall-out threatens those who oppose the people in charge.

THE UNTHINKABLE TRUTH is a complex, detailed, and thought-provoking story of madness, humanity and the human mind, which begs the question-was the team part of another experiment, or victims of power and arrogance?

Copy supplied for review

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won a Kindle copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to leave a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This story follows George Bennet, a physicist who has suffered a recent loss and hopes that participating in a new project will allow him to take his mind off things. He enlists as a member of a think tank located at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. There, he and seven other peers must use scientific evidence to come to a decision regarding one of humanity's biggest mysteries. But all is not as it seems...

I must say that the first half of this book read very dry, as the characters brought up various studies to support their arguments. In my opinion, there were just too many studies to remember, and I found myself wanting them to reach a decision.

Now, the second half of this book is where it really shines. Without going into spoilers, the stakes are significantly raised, and I was intrigued as to what would happen in the end. I had a much easier and faster time reading the second half of the story.

Overall, I would rate this book a three out of five stars.

[Tina H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating, original and unforgettable.
This multi-layered book is unique in so many ways that it defies definition or genre. It's both serious and funny, fiction and nonfiction, complex and clear. I found the first half fascinating as it delves into the human mind. Although a bit slow, its lively assembly of believable characters, humour and the sense that things aren't as they seem, more than compensated for that. True to character though, the second half was the opposite; fast, exciting and light. Above all, its far-reaching conclusion was utterly shocking and not because it was entirely unexpected (the case is built carefully and solidly), but because it affects every single one of us. Without revealing too much, I can only say that I'll never view myself or others in the same way.
In conclusion, if you're just looking for a light read, look elsewhere, but if you're after a thought-provoking yet entertaining read, this book is for you.

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gets five stars for being so creative. This unusual book was an interesting read. The first part presents real information from various neuroscience and psychology experiments in a fictional story. The second part explores how the information from these studies can be used against us by antisocial criminals. It begins to falter toward the end when the obligatory "chase" scenes are presented.

[Katie Jae · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Interesting is really the only way I can describe this one. The first half was a little tough to get through due to the technical terminology because used, but I was able to follow well enough to understand what was going on.

Things sort of fell off for me though towards the end, I think the story was wrapped up a little too nicely.

Overall, I still enjoyed it

[Sam Cardini]

unfortunate DNF at 24%. The premise of this book was really interesting, however, most of the amount I read was just the characters debating different facts. It almost felt like reading a textbook, and although described as a thriller, that had yet to show up.

[Kasper Renee Johansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great philosophical thriller. I made a video review of it on the request from the publisher and Yona Bouskila. Watch the entire review here on my philosophical channel: https://youtu.be/F5bjpzk1dwc?si=asuyp...

[Jessica Huntley]

Really sorry but had to DNF at 31%. It was too science based for me and I didn't understand a thing. I may try and read again at some point but it doesn't seem like a thriller to me ...

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads win - thank you!

UPDATE: I'm rating this with 4 Stars. The pace of the second half of the book picked up and presented us with a fast paced story. Will make you think.

I confess. I am having difficulty reading this book. It is very complex and certainly well written. At this point, it reads like a group of scientists debating/discussing theories. To me, it is dry and I need to take breaks in reading it. I'm about 40% through and determined to finish. My apologies for taking so long.

[James Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good idea, execution less so

First half turning free will into a thriller was interesting. To turn it into a James Bond escape less so.