It seems a bit unfair pose the metatextual question of “which story do you prefer” after dedicated ~150 pages to one story and about 5 to the other, but I nevertheless understand the point. It’s a novel on the power and importance of stories, the subjectivity of our own world, the meditative nature of routine, the role of belief in religion, all within an engaging story of survivorship in unforgettably unique situation. I don’t necessarily agree with every point that the author makes, but it’s a story I’m still thinking about and will continue to think about. Plus the movie is really good.