The Essence by Dave Hutchinson (book review).
‘The Essence’ by Dave Hutchinson is an altered reality science fiction, which explores how we humans decide what is authentic and what is fantasy through the medium of ‘trying to solve’ a mystery.
Mike Brookes is in hospital, recovering from a mental breakdown after his wife has died. Up until then, his job was being an economic analyst for a little-known branch of MI6. This is why he ended up in a comfortable hospital for service members or ex-service members. He is gradually introduced into society, first with a few outings to the local shops and moving along until he can take day trips to nearby London. After six months of treatment, he returns home.
He spent the first few days catching up on household chores, conversing with a neighbour, and meeting his social worker, Jo. Nothing out of the ordinary. Martine from his work rings up and asks him to come in for a chat. Of course, he worries about what it means for his future. But it turns out that Martine wants him to go over to Amsterdam to find out why the Dutch economists under Theo van Hoebeek have stopped co-operating and passing their data to London. His mission is to find out what has gone wrong and return home soonest.
It turns out that the Dutch have detected a breach in UK security. They show him the proof. Mike says he will take their concerns back to London. On his way to his hotel, he walks into a bar and gets kidnapped.
His captors want to find out what he knows about the Essence. Mike knows nothing. However, he attributes the gaps in his memory to reasons for his initial hospitalisation. So he may have known something at one time.
Mike gets rescued by a rival group to his kidnappers. Further adventures unfold to uncover the reasons behind his kidnapping, the components of the “conspirasphere”, and the nature and purpose of its essence.
We are kept in Mike’s perspective throughout. His recovery from mental illness and the consequential gaining of confidence as he achieves more of a normal life are well depicted. Yet, despite Mike having unusual employment, there are hints that something does not stack up, particularly in how his job affects his mental state and interactions with others, suggesting that the pressures of his role may exacerbate his mental health challenges and lead to strained relationships with those around him.
The novel shifts towards the bizarre when events beyond the realm of science begin to occur. This is self-coherent, but never fully explained. The events in the novel simply exist as they are. We can either accept the story as it is or dismiss it as absurd fantasy in our lives.
‘The Essence’ leaves us asking more questions about ourselves than it answers. If this type of thought-provoking novel resonates with you, then it’s a suitable choice. Otherwise, it is frustrating.
Rosie Oliver
March 2026
(pub: NewCon Press, 2025. 274 page small enlarged paperback. Price: £13.99 (UK). ISBN: 978-1-91773-514-8).
check out website: www.newconpress.co.uk/info/book.asp?id=271&referer=Catalogue
