Book Review: Halfway to MMXX – The Year 2020: It Begins by Anthony Mays*

‘Halfway to MMXX’ is the latest title from independently published author Anthony Mays, who has written a series of books on the ‘halfway’ theme.  This wide-ranging novel encompasses geology, seismology, climate crisis, faith, superstition and the language of our bodies, gestures – and shoes – to tell its tale.

It is the halfway year of 1010. The writings of a highly regarded monk are hidden at Fleury Abbey in France by his friend, who fears that they are, at best, the product of a weakened mind or, at worst, religious heresy.

In 2020, the writings are mysteriously uncovered by a monk now living at the abbey. They reach a professor and his climatologist student, who are keen to discover their secrets.

Meanwhile, seismology equipment across the world is picking up unusual tremors within the Arctic Circle. Official Russian reports link the activity to mining operations in the area, but a young scientist investigating the tremors is not convinced. Through her work, she meets a professor and climatologist who may be able to give her the key to the real source of the tremors, whilst also unlocking their centuries-old documents.

What I thought of the book

The central group of ‘Halfway to MMXX’ characters should be incompatible – a monk, a rambling professor, an incisive climatologist, an inexperienced science student and a fashion-conscious diva. Each has an in-depth knowledge of their field, and uses this to approach and understand the world from very different perspectives. At times, the detailed information that some of the characters bring to the book – particularly those related to scientific study – may confuse the reader. However, take just the information that you can from each character and you will know enough about them to navigate their world, and the novel. You’ll also see that their different perspectives can be a source of humour and friendship between them – and may be why they work so well as a team against the odds.

Appropriately, considering its title, ‘Halfway to MMXX’ succeeds by making the most of contrasts. The varied characters find themselves in peaceful abbeys and domestic settings, then in the most turbulent of landscapes; investigating supposedly dull scientific data alongside terrifying geological events; attempting to decode documents from 1010 whilst forecasting the events of an uncertain future and trying to focus on research and theories, whilst also maintaining – and maybe beginning – the messy business of human relationships.

Ultimately, this novel encourages the reader to consider whether we are at our best when we combine ideas and approaches that we sometimes think of as being opposite to each other. Without giving any spoilers, faith, science and humanity all contribute to the resolution of the story – and you’ll have to find out about the role of the shoes for yourselves!

How much is the book and how can you buy it?
The paperback edition of ’Halfway to MMXX’ by Anthony Mays retails for £8.50 and the Kindle edition for £2.36
Both can be purchased via this link.

About the author

Anthony Mays was born and raised west of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He went into military service and the age of seventeen and retired after serving twenty years. Anthony subsequently received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Nebraska and had a second career as a civil servant in the U.S. government.

Along with his wife, Sherry, he enjoys sharing the experiences of their three children and four grand-children. Most vacations are spent near water, where Anthony envisions finding the next great treasure trove. In the meantime, he is excited to take pieces of his life experiences and mould them into fictional works of art.

About the book

Title: Halfway to MMXX – the year 2020: it begins
Author: Anthony Mays
Publisher: Anthony Mays
ISBN: 978-1698180434
Trim Size: 216mm x 140mm
Pages: 243 pages

Review by: Sharon Corbally

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*Disclaimer: We were given a copy of the book in return for a feature. All opinions are our own.