Interesting book that really is a cross between The Dropout and Lessons in Chemistry. I liked Zoe and Jack a lot

Very much enjoyed this despite having next to no chemistry knowledge. Made me think about what we sacrifice for our own and others dreams.

This book is a beautifully intricate tapestry of emotions and I found it addictive. You can immediately sense the author's scientific mindset; the depth of research behind the narrative is palpable, adding a rich layer of authenticity to the storytelling.

Initially, I found myself put off by Zoe. She struck me as an arrogant, privileged brat, someone who was hard to empathise with. However, the more I read and the backstory gradually unfolded, my perspective shifted. Her relationship with the family revealed nuances and complexities that made her character much more relatable and sympathetic.

Zoe's dynamic with Jack was particularly captivating. It was fraught with tension and complexity that had me almost shouting at the pages in frustration. Both are remarkably intelligent, academically gifted individuals, yet their decisions often defy logic, leaving me exasperated yet engrossed.

Jack's narrative was equally compelling, slowly unravelling like a tightly wound coil. Despite the challenges he faced, I found myself rooting for him, hoping he'd find his way through the labyrinth of his circumstances.

However, I did have some issues with the story, firstly I can't begin to imagine why Zoe would take a backseat on the science aspect of the business. She loves the science so why wouldn't she also want to be in the lab? I understand the plausible explanation given in the book but I just can't see someone like Zoe giving in to this pressure or giving up her love of the lab.

Also we can talk about this wonderful love story, and even I was totally sucked in by Jack but let's not pretend that what he did was totally wrong. He lied and gaslit her. She even became the face of the business. How can you do this to someone you're supposed to love?

While the story plunges into bleakness at times, it makes the lighter moments all the more impactful. I believe this author has immense potential, and I eagerly anticipate what literary gems they will present in the future.


A heartfelt thanks to the author, the publishers, and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy of this book. This review reflects my own thoughts and opinions.

This one sucked me in from page one and kept me gripped - The Dropout meets Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow meets Normal People. On balance I think this will appeal more to Sally Rooney fans than fans of Gabrielle Zevin - it's less emotive than Tx3 imo and leans more in the direction of two bright young things who could have avoided themselves quite a bit of trouble if they'd both learned to communicate better. It's a smart read, and filled with lots of technical details that won't be everyone's cup of tea. HOWEVER for those who do want something to chew on Notes on Infinity brings lots to the table and I can see this being a brilliant book club pick that will generate tons of debate. I thoroughly enjoyed and eagerly look forward to matching this book with its right readers when it comes out this summer.

I loved Notes on Infinity and I totally agree with the statement that it's a mix of Normal People and Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow (two of my favourite books).

The book follows Zoe and Jack through a scientific discovery that becomes a multi billion dollar idea and their relationship all through the highs and lows of that.

I loved the development of both Zoe and Jack and they were interesting, frustrating and loveable in their own ways. I also think the depiction of Harvard and Cambridge, MA was excellent and it really made me want to visit.

Notes on Infinity made for a very compelling read and I didn't want to put it down but I also didn't want it to end.

Zoe and Jack meet at Harvard as students and quickly their friendship grows. They are both studying ageing and decide to set up a company which they see as their road to riches. They aren’t wrong – soon they have a billion dollar company and the fame that comes with that.

Much of the book centres on technical stuff which is, I would think, beyond the comprehension of a lot of people, me included! I tended to zone out a bit as I just didn’t understand it but other parts, description wise, were beautiful. The friendship and underlying love story between Zoe and Jack is similar to ‘Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow’ (which I have read and absolutely loved). ‘Notes on Infinity’, however, wasn’t as compelling for me and two thirds of the way through, after things start to go wrong, we switch back to Jack’s earlier life and see what has happened in his past. I wasn’t sure I liked this swift about turn as the story was left hanging for a while.

Some of this book I loved and some of it I didn’t. But overall it was well written and enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the advanced copy.

Notes on Infinity explores fascinating concepts, but I found it heavy on US academic terminology, which made it a bit challenging for me to engage with at times. While the ideas are intriguing, the writing leans toward the technical side, which may not be for everyone. While it’s sadly not for me, I can see why others love it!

This book needs the hype! It is Tomorrow Tomorrow Tomorrow crossed with Lessons in Chemistry

It is better than both! A must read when it comes out in July! I would pre order if I was you!!

It is emotional, interesting, heart breaking, exciting and so detailed

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! I am so glad I read this

Great book!! One of my favourite reads so far this year.

I loved the setting in academic research/ bio start up. It kept me guessing and made a different and interesting read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy in exchange for my honest review.

There is so much right about this book - a scientific discovery that could change humanity, two intelligent young people in love with their work and each other, relevance to goings on in Silicon Valley, and a massive betrayal. What could go wrong?

Events do go awry by design in the plot, however there is something not quite right with the book. It is quite lengthy, well 400 pages rather than the standard 300. It takes its time to get going and the reader is swamped with scientific and US academic terminology which made it seem even longer. The twist does not happen until three quarters of the way through the book, by which time I was exhausted with the whole process. The twist is good but I did not feel it was wholly believable, I am not sure that the defence of not knowing would hold up in court - when so many other people obviously 'knew'.

All in all it is so nearly there, perhaps an editor with a heavy hand would have eased it over the finishing line.

Through their love of science and desire for success, Zoe and Jack work together on a new start-up company to produce an anti-ageing drug. This was an incrediblly mature debut about two bright young things who meet at Harvard and pursue their dreams.
As a a non-scientisit, I was a bit flummoxed by the scientific detail but the essential story and the two characters kept me gripped, especially in such a modern, relatable setting and scenario.
The jumping to Jack's character in the final section of the novel seemed unnaturally rushed but there were some great literary touches and devices which helped move the action along.
I felt it was a brilliant concept and fascinating love story although the writing and structure could have been improved by an editor's firm hand. It will make a great TV series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance review copy of this novel.

This book follows Zoe and Jack. Harvard to science startup. I got lost in the academic talk.

This book took me longer than normal to get through, but I refuse to dnf.

Even though it turned out to not be my cup of tea, I’m glad I gave it a chance.

I absolutely love the idea of two bright young things starting a spin off from a genius idea- this is happening all of the time in Universities and companies worldwide but the reality of getting lab space, money and support is rarely discussed. This book brings to light the underbelly of development and discovery, the pressure to publish, to find investment and to race to commercially available product.
Zoe and Jack have an almost toxic friendship right from the start and their business relationship is equally fraught. The characters are great and the emotional turbulence sweeps off the pages.
A great read exploring morality, scientific endeavour and changing relationships.

Notes on Infinity by Austin Taylor is a gripping and thought-provoking debut that explores the intersection of ambition, love, and the pursuit of immortality. The book follows Zoe and Jack, two Harvard students whose groundbreaking discovery in the field of biotechnology propels them into the heady world of startup culture. What begins as a collaboration between two like-minded scientists soon grows into a much larger and more dangerous venture that will test not only their intellects but also their morals and relationships.

Zoe, the daughter of an MIT professor, has always felt overshadowed by her older brother but finds new opportunities at Harvard, where she crosses paths with Jack, a talented and competitive organic chemistry student. Their intellectual chemistry is undeniable, and they quickly become close collaborators, working late into the night discussing scientific theories and pushing the boundaries of what they thought possible. Together, they discover what they believe could be the cure for ageing, a scientific breakthrough that could change the world.

What starts as an innocent exploration soon turns into a high-stakes race to commercialize their discovery. They leave Harvard behind, start a biotech company, and become the darlings of the media, celebrated for their success and the promise of immortality. But as the accolades mount, so do the pressures, and the couple is faced with a shocking accusation that threatens everything they’ve worked for—and the very foundation of their relationship.

Notes on Infinity delves deeply into the intoxicating allure of success, the hunger for achievement, and the moral compromises that often accompany ambition. It explores the complexities of love, particularly the kind of love that is built on shared goals and intellectual connection but is tested by the weight of unexpected consequences. Zoe and Jack are brilliantly written characters, each with their flaws and strengths, and their evolving relationship is both poignant and fraught with tension.

The book raises powerful questions about the lengths one would go to in the pursuit of a dream, the cost of immortality, and the true price of success. Taylor’s writing is both beautiful and haunting, capturing the thrill of discovery and the darker sides of ambition. The stakes in Notes on Infinity are high, and the story is a compelling exploration of how far one will go to achieve greatness and what happens when that pursuit begins to unravel.

In the end, Notes on Infinity is a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked ambition, the fragility of relationships under pressure, and the devastating impact of chasing an idealized vision of success without considering the cost.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

I really wanted to love this book but couldn't- I think maybe the scientific element was just that bit 'heavier' than I had hoped.

'Notes on Infinity' is a debut novel by Austin Taylor which is truly captivating by being able to intertwine the world of science, ambition and love which gives it a unique narrative. Initially, I was apprehensive to delve into a novel that centred around biotech startups, fearing it may be laden with technical jargon however, it defied my initial expectations and proved to be an engaging read throughout in which I thoroughly enjoyed.

The core of the novel, follows Zoe and Jack, two Harvard students that come from completely different backgrounds, who form an unusual partnership that leads to a discovery of a potential drug to cure ageing. The scientific background of the story was fascinating but what really gripped me was how human and intimate the story felt. Taylor doesn’t just focus on the grandeur of their discovery; he delves into their motivations, their struggles, and the ever-growing tension between progress and morality.

Taylor's writing is elegant, yet accessible which strikes the perfect balance between being sharp, clear storytelling and moments of quiet depth. The pacing is excellent with there never being a dull moment yet the book takes its time when it needs to meaning we are able to have moments of deep reflection.

I really didn't imagine to love this book as much as I did, but it completely won me over. It is a kind of novel that surprises you, not just with its originality, but with its depth which resonates on a personal level. If you are looking for something refreshingly different, Notes on Infinity is definitely worth the read.

Zoe and Jack meet at the university, and delve into a deeply complex commitment of science, morality, love, friendship and business.
I found the first few chapters gripping. I was interested in Jack's background, and Zoe felt like a curious character as well as her family.
I also enjoyed the science scene very much.
Interestingly, an emerging screenwriter wrote a similarly themed (anti-aging drug, university, complex relationships) screenplay last year, and I was eager to read Notes on Infinity because of my keenness on science-related fiction.

What I would have changed or liked more of:
1. Jack had immense potential. I would have liked to have a better picture of his past. I could not fully grasp why he was the way he was.
2. Zoe and Zoe's family could have been explored more thoroughly.
3. The science and academic details. I would rather have the most accurate, relevant, and authentic picture than glimpses of it. This book is generally good at the accuracy and authenticity, but I needed more.
4. The ending did not fully engage me. I did not see the twist as a twist. The reasons why are related to my points 1 and 2.
5. If the ending and generally, the leadup to the ending shall remain the same, then this can be condensed. Until the revelation, I was having a 3.5-4-star experience. The ending did not pay off well.
6. For me, the whole book with Taylor's writing, the characterisation, premise had a 5-star potential. I could have read a slightly more edited, slightly differently written (more literary) 500-page book with more about Jack, and Zoe, and all the complications, and had a nearly perfect reading experience.

Whatever the blurb for this book is, it’s fundamentally a love story. Love of science, young love, lack of love.

Zoe and Jack meet at Harvard, both science students determined to succeed. They find themselves propelled into the world of biotech, start ups, venture capitalism. All seems rosy as the dollars roll in, but there’s a flaw at the heart of their research. Fast paced and engrossing, this story had me hooked and didn’t let me go.

Notes on infinity looks at some of life’s deep questions about immortality, success and love and leaves you tomdraw your own conclusions. Perfectly execute debut.

’Notes On Infinity’ by Austin Taylor

Harvard undergraduates Zoe and Jack come from opposite backgrounds; she is the daughter of an MIT professor, he… well, Zoe doesn’t really know. After meeting in an organic chemistry class and flirting with an academic rivalry, they become colleagues at a research lab, before taking their partnership further and becoming co-founders of their own biotech company. Their hope? To develop a drug that will reverse ageing—and perhaps even confer immortality. However, after finding initial media success and securing substantial financial backing, their world comes crashing down when a shocking accusation is levelled against Jack, one that leaves Zoe reeling. Will their company and everything they’ve worked for survive? And what about they themselves and their relationship? Was what they had ever anything more than a dream?

‘Notes on Infinity’ starts strong, with a quick pace, relatable characters, complex relationship dynamics and intriguing ideas (and, delightfully, it lives up to the promised ‘Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow’ meets ‘The Dropout’ vibes); however, after the first third, it begins to fall apart, and although I remained hopeful the author would pull it back together in the end, unfortunately it never recovers. Overall, it was a great idea let down by poor execution.

The positives:
- The characters are well-constructed and relatable. I particularly like the dynamics we see in Zoe’s family, and how that affects the way she moves through the world. She is complex and intriguing. Similarly, none of the other characters are reduced to a single trait, but have multiple facets, and how they appear differs according to context. This makes them feel real.
- The amount of scientific information included is well-balanced. There is enough to inform the story and to make the set-up feel plausible, but it doesn’t bog down the writing.
- The novel offers an interesting insight into how a women are treated in STEM fields, in academia and in the business industry—and how they treat each other. It offers a realistic account of female rivalry.

The not so positives:
- Zoe and Jack lack romantic chemistry, and there’s no indication of any physical attraction, which makes the development of their relationship feel contrived. The almost clinical style of the writing, with an avoidance of delving into characters’ emotions, makes it hard to know how the characters feel about one another, so when relationships develop, they seem to come out of nowhere. ‘Love’ feels like a word stated by the author, not something the characters feel.
- The way the story jumps back and forth from present to past to future and the lack of time indicators at the start of sections to show readers how much time has passed since the previous scene makes the characters feel like they’re unstuck in time, à la Billy Pilgrim, only without Vonnegut’s intent or mastery. It’s disorientating and pulls the reader out of the story.
- The writing, though engaging in the first third, soon begins to feel perfunctory, like the author’s enthusiasm for the story has waned and writing it has become a bit of a slog. At the same time, any sense of cause and effect in the scenes is lost, leading to an episodic feel, with many scenes where the purpose isn’t clear. This makes the story drag and feel repetitive—a collection of random scenes grouped together, rather than a cohesive flow that builds the story.
- An overabundance of sentence fragments. Far too many. Makes the story difficult to read. Distracting.
- All the references to locations at/around Harvard don’t help any reader who hasn’t attended Harvard build a mental image of the scenes. Instead, it feels like a rather heavy-handed way for the author to point out that she herself attended Harvard.
- Although Zoe’s character is well-constructed to begin with, she soon becomes a caricature of Elizabeth Holmes. This detracts from the idea of the story as a piece of creative fiction, and makes it feel uncomfortably like the appropriation of a real person into a piece of pseudo-fiction.
- The insertion of an incident of sexual assault and the glamorising of eating disorders doesn’t add to the story at all, and the issues aren’t explored fully enough to warrant their inclusion. It feels like these, once again, were used to draw similarities to Elizabeth Holmes.
- The idea of immortality and the implications of anti-ageing technology isn’t explored as much as it could have been, and it isn’t woven into any overarching themes of the story. This feels like a missed opportunity. As it is, it feels like the nature of the research Zoe and Jack are conducting and the therapeutics they are hoping to develop is arbitrary and could easily be swapped for anything else without impacting the overall story.
- Towards the end, the story switches to Jack’s point of view. The rehashing of the entire story up to this point, only this time from Jack’s perspective, feels repetitive. It also made me feel like really this is Jack’s story and should have been told from his POV all along. He is the character who is making the decisions and is driving the trajectory of the story, not Zoe. He is also the emotional heart of the story. Seeing it all from his POV, linearly, and informed by his emotional experience, would have been a far more interesting story and might have solved a lot of the issues the story has.
- The way the writing form turned experimental at the end made it feel like the author wasn’t quite sure how to finish the story or what she wanted to book to be overall.

Though I’m sure many readers will enjoy this book more than I did, I can’t say I would recommend it. I would, however, be interested in reading any future works from the author, as I think she has potential as a writer and subsequent books might have fewer ‘first novel’ problems.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

My review will be posted on Instagram, GoodReads, The StoryGraph, and Amazon UK a week before the book’s publication.

⚠️ Disordered eating, sexual assault, sexism, misogyny, racism, addiction, child abuse, drug abuse, suicide

I haven't read writing like this in a very long time. I knew by the end of the second page that I wanted to forget about all my responsibilities for the day and just read, and two days after finishing I'm still finding myself wondering what Zoe and Jack are up to, and thinking that there surely must be more. Notes on Infinity is a very very special book.

The writing is so specific and accomplished, tight from the very first page until the very last. Creative partnership love stories are my very favourite genre, and while I'm not particularly in to science, it's handled here in a way that that doesn't matter - the science is hardly the point, in so many ways. This is a story about people, and ambition, and what it means to create something, be that a world-changing drug or a functional partnership. We sort of know from the very beginning that Zoe and Jack aren't going to pull of what they intend to, but it's still a thrilling ride, where you're always hoping against all logic that they might.

I think this might be one of those books that I can't talk about in a normal way! It made me want to step up my game like nothing else has for a long time. Favourite of the year so far, hands down.