10:04 is an exploration of art's intersection with life, as the protagonist, buoyed by a recently acquired literary acclaim, navigates personal earthquakes. Confronted with a dire medical diagnosis and a request from his best friend to assist in an extraordinary parenthood arrangement, the narrative unfolds against a backdrop of an unpredictable New York, beset by environmental catastrophe and social upheaval. Ben Lerner crafts an illuminating reflection on the difficulties of forecasting a future in times where the past and present are in constant flux. This novel is not only a compelling piece of fiction but also a profound meditation on the significance fiction holds in interpreting and enduring the real world.