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Dark Matter

Dark Matter is a 2016 science fiction thriller novel by American author Blake Crouch.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Dark Matter is a 2016 science fiction thriller novel by American author Blake Crouch. The story follows physicist Jason Dessen, who is abducted into a parallel reality and struggles to return to his family and original life. The novel uses the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics as a central premise.

Premise

The novel follows Jason Dessen, a physicist and college professor whose ordinary family life is disrupted when he is abducted and wakes in a reality where his life has taken a different path. He is kidnapped and sent into an alternate universe, setting off a struggle to find a way back home.

Themes

Dark Matter uses multiverse and alternate-reality concepts to explore identity, choice, regret, and the consequences of different life decisions. The many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics serves as a central premise for the novel's exploration of these themes.

Publication

The book was published in the United States in July 2016 by Crown Publishing Group. It was reviewed by major outlets including The New York Times shortly after release.

Adaptation

A television adaptation of Dark Matter premiered on Apple TV+ on May 8, 2024. Blake Crouch was involved in the writing of the adaptation.

Key facts

  • Dark Matter was first published in the United States in July 2016 by Crown Publishing Group.
  • The novel centres on Jason Dessen, a physicist whose life changes after he is kidnapped and sent into an alternate universe.
  • The story draws on the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics and parallel universes.
  • A television adaptation, partially written by Blake Crouch, premiered on May 8, 2024.
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Canadian context

The novel was published by Crown, a major North American publisher, and it has been widely available in Canada through English-language book retail and library channels.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote Dark Matter?
Dark Matter was written by American author Blake Crouch.
What kind of book is Dark Matter?
It is a science fiction thriller novel.
What is Dark Matter about?
It follows Jason Dessen after he is abducted and finds himself in an alternate version of his life, forcing him to find a way back home.
When was Dark Matter published?
It was first published in July 2016 in the United States.
Is there a screen adaptation of Dark Matter?
Yes. A television adaptation premiered on Apple TV+ on May 8, 2024.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Matter_(Crouch_novel)
    Supports: Author, genre, publication date, publisher, premise, and adaptation details.
  2. Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/Dark-Matter-Novel-Blake-Crouch/dp/1101904240
    Supports: Plot summary and character names.
  3. The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/31/books/review/dark-matter-blake-crouch.html
    Supports: Book title, author, page count, and publication context.