Generosity is Richard Powers' most exuberant and exhilarating book yet. Richard Powers is one of America's most impressive contemporary novelists, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, and recipient of the National Book Award 2006, and the Lannan Literary Award SHORTLISTED FOR THE ARTHUR C. CLARKE AWARD 2010 When Russell Stone becomes the teacher of a young Algerian woman with a disturbingly luminous presence, he is both entranced and troubled. How can this refugee from terror radiate such bliss? Is it possible to be so open and alive without coming to serious harm? Soon, Thassa's joyful personality comes to the attention of the notorious geneticist and advocate for genomic enhancement, Thomas Kurton, whose research has enabled him to announce his discovery of the genetic underpinnings of happiness. Thassa's congenital optimism is severely tested by the growing media circus. Devoured by the public as a living prophecy, her genetic secret will transform both Russell and Kurton, as well as the world at large.