The Book of Strange New Things

by Michel Faber

What’s USIC anyway? We’re USIC. Us, here. Maybe it’s time the eligibility tests got loosened up a little.”

BG knew how to tailor the gesture to the occasion.

And a baby … a baby would be lighter still, much lighter.

“They’ll get another pharmacist; they’ll get another minister. Everyone’s replaceable.” “Yes. And irreplaceable, too.”

struck by lightning, pronounced dead and yet be brought back to life. Not exactly good as new, but saved from the scrap heap by the grace of experts.

the heavenly sanctuary where precious things were safe from harm: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”