In an attempt to save the world by communicating with aliens, an adolescent mathematical prodigy from the Bronx is enlisted by a group of mad scientists to decode a message from outer space--a planet known as Ratner's star. DeLillo's comic novel, influenced by Lewis Carroll's ALICE books, is infused with concepts from science, mathematics, and technology. DeLillo commented in an interview, "It seems to me that RATNER'S STAR is a book which is almost all structure. The structure of the book is the book. The characters are intentionally flattened and cartoonlike. I was trying to build a novel which was not only about mathematics to some extent but which itself would become a piece of mathematics."

One of DeLillos first novels, Ratners Star follows Billy, the genius adolescent, who is recruited to live in obscurity, underground, as he tries to help a panel of estranged, demented, and yet lovable scientists communicate with beings from outer space. It is a mix of quirky humor, science, mathematical theories, as well as the complex emotional distance and sadness people feel. Ratners Star demonstrates both the thematic and prosaic muscularity that typifies DeLillo's later and more recent works, like The Names (which is also available in Vintage Contemporaries).

A mind-expanding trip to the finish line, and full of wit and slapstick as well...The areas of knowledge central to 'Ratner's Star' are astronomy and mathematics.

One of DeLillos first novels, Ratners Star follows Billy, the genius adolescent, who is recruited to live in obscurity, underground, as he tries to help a panel of estranged, demented, and yet lovable scientists communicate with beings from outer space. It is a mix of quirky humor, science, mathematical theories, as well as the complex emotional distance and sadness people feel. Ratners Star demonstrates both the thematic and prosaic muscularity that typifies DeLillo's later and more recent works, like The Names (which is also available in Vintage Contemporaries).

A mind-expanding trip to the finish line, and full of wit and slapstick as well...The areas of knowledge central to 'Ratner's Star' are astronomy and mathematics.