In his sophomore novel The Way, Cary Groner weaves an intricate tapestry of post-apocalyptic survival, spiritual awakening, and human connection. Following his debut novel Exiles (2011), Groner returns with a more ambitious narrative that transcends typical dystopian tropes to explore deeper questions about consciousness, companionship, and the nature of reality itself.
The Story’s Heart
Set in a world decimated by a devastating avian flu pandemic and subsequent societal collapse dubbed “Mayhem,” the story follows Will Collins, a 52-year-old former science journalist and caretaker of an abandoned Buddhist monastery in Colorado. When his old mentor Lars requests his help in transporting a potential cure for a mysterious affliction called Disease X to California, Will embarks on a perilous journey across a transformed American landscape.
What sets The Way by Cary Groner apart from conventional post-apocalyptic narratives is its unique blend of practical survival challenges with metaphysical contemplation. Will’s physical journey westward mirrors his internal quest for understanding and connection, accompanied by an unlikely family of companions: Peau, an exceptionally intelligent raven; Cassie, a world-weary Maine Coon cat; and Sophie, a resilient fourteen-year-old girl with a sharp wit and even sharper survival instincts.
Literary Craftsmanship
Groner’s background as a science journalist shines through in his meticulous attention to detail, whether describing the mechanics of a mule-powered truck or explaining quantum entanglement. His prose is clear and precise, yet capable of moments of startling beauty:
“The sky turned from pink to purple, and a sweet, cool dampness condensed in the air. Below us, the bridge and the valley darkened, but we could still hear the river. It was hard to consider those deep layers of sedimentary striation, and the millions of years they represented, and not be reminded of how ludicrously short our lives were.”
Strengths and Innovations
World-Building
One of the novel’s greatest achievements is its richly imagined post-Mayhem ecosystem. Groner presents a world where nature has reclaimed its dominion in unexpected ways: passenger pigeons have returned from extinction, escaped zoo animals roam freely, and bioluminescent crocodiles patrol the rivers. These details feel both fantastical and somehow plausible, grounded in scientific possibility while maintaining a sense of wonder.
Character Development
The relationship between Will and Sophie forms the emotional core of the novel. Their dynamic evolves naturally from initial wariness to deep familial bonds, avoiding both sentiment and cynicism. The talking animals, which could have been merely whimsical, are rendered with surprising depth and distinctiveness. Peau’s intelligence and Cassie’s sardonic wisdom provide both comic relief and philosophical insight.
Spiritual Elements
Buddhist concepts are woven seamlessly into the narrative without becoming preachy or overwhelming. The novel explores ideas about consciousness, reality, and interconnectedness through action and dialogue rather than exposition, making these complex concepts accessible and relevant to the story’s themes.
Areas for Improvement
While The Way by Cary Groner is largely successful in its ambitious scope, there are moments where the pacing falters, particularly in the middle section. Some readers might find the philosophical discussions occasionally interrupt the narrative flow, though these moments usually pay off in thematic resonance later.
The villain, Buck Flynn, while effectively menacing, sometimes feels more symbolic than fully realized, though this arguably serves the novel’s larger themes about the nature of evil and suffering.
Thematic Depth
The novel explores several interconnected themes:
The nature of consciousness and reality
The tension between isolation and connection
The possibility of hope in desperate circumstances
The relationship between humans and the natural world
The role of violence in survival versus spiritual growth
Cultural and Literary Context
The Way by Cary Groner joins a distinguished lineage of post-apocalyptic literary fiction, including Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven and Peter Heller’s The Dog Stars, while carving out its own unique territory. Its blend of practical survival narrative with spiritual and philosophical inquiry recalls Robert M. Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, which is actually referenced within the novel itself.
Final Verdict
The Way is a remarkable achievement that successfully balances action, character development, and philosophical depth. While it may occasionally sacrifice momentum for meditation, the novel’s unique vision and emotional resonance make it a standout entry in both post-apocalyptic and literary fiction.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its ability to find beauty and meaning in a broken world without minimizing the reality of suffering. It suggests that even in the darkest times, connection and understanding remain possible—perhaps even essential—to human survival.
Reader Recommendations
This book is ideal for readers who:
Appreciate literary fiction with genre elements
Enjoy philosophical themes integrated into narrative
Are interested in Buddhist concepts and spirituality
Like character-driven post-apocalyptic stories
Enjoy novels about found family and unlikely connections
While fans of fast-paced action might find some sections slow, readers willing to engage with both the external and internal journeys will find a rich and rewarding experience.
The Way is ultimately a story about hope—not the blind optimism of easier times, but the hard-won hope that comes from facing reality in all its complexity and choosing to continue anyway. In our own uncertain times, this message resonates with particular power.