Genostock—First Scroll is a very inventive, ambitious, and sweeping work. This novel works on many levels. Quite a few characters inhabit this book. At first, it might seem a bit difficult to keep up with them, however, the key characters are so clearly drawn and the story lines are so engaging that the writing and story-telling enable the reader to simply, naturally get it and absorb what's important as the characters develop, plots unfold, and themes emerge. It is allegorical in a number of ways. Among other themes, this story is about the power of words and ideas, and how humans—perhaps all living things—evolve not only genetically by natural selection but also by virtue of their communications and sharing of knowledge, and the power of spirit. It is also about the difference between knowledge and wisdom, as well as the universal complexities and ambiguities of growing up human, regardless of time and place, and also how the dead often exercise more power than the living. Zilberman grapples with human need—for affection, community, and love—and he fearlessly explores the dynamics of sibling, familial and tribal rivalries, the threat of overpopulation, and the perils of intellectual poverty and spiritual pride for the individual as well as the human species at large. This strikes me as transformational writing and I can't wait to discover what Zilberman has in store for us next.