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careinthelibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don't even know what to say about this masterpiece but I'm going to try. I don't typically read "interstellar sci-fi", preferring most often dystopian or earth-based subgenres instead. But I picked this up after a friend's recommendation and it's fantastic.
Ofelia is funny, wise, shrewd, creative, and free. I don't even like aliens or interstellar sci-fi but this is amazing. I laughed out loud several times and fell in love with an elderly woman in space and her alien companions. She's lovable, relatable, comforting, yet expansive and surprising.
The themes of anthropology and linguistics, the harm of colonization and occupation, parenthood, aging, the adventure of solitude and the wonders of learning were all so well done. Her character arc is awesome. At first, small steps towards reclaiming her identity as an individual, stretching her wings of freedom by stripping off her ties to her previous community, then giant leaps of bravery and fierce protectiveness in a tense conclusion.
From wanting to be left alone to craving community and closeness. She starts out seeing the creatures as Other, less intelligent, frustrating. Then she adapts to them, understands them more, humbles herself. Starts to see the invaders of her own species as awkward, annoying, and primitive. Full circle.
It's a great story, but the star is the exceptional protagonist.
Ofelia is funny, wise, shrewd, creative, and free. I don't even like aliens or interstellar sci-fi but this is amazing. I laughed out loud several times and fell in love with an elderly woman in space and her alien companions. She's lovable, relatable, comforting, yet expansive and surprising.
The themes of anthropology and linguistics, the harm of colonization and occupation, parenthood, aging, the adventure of solitude and the wonders of learning were all so well done. Her character arc is awesome. At first, small steps towards reclaiming her identity as an individual, stretching her wings of freedom by stripping off her ties to her previous community, then giant leaps of bravery and fierce protectiveness in a tense conclusion.
From wanting to be left alone to craving community and closeness. She starts out seeing the creatures as Other, less intelligent, frustrating. Then she adapts to them, understands them more, humbles herself. Starts to see the invaders of her own species as awkward, annoying, and primitive. Full circle.
It's a great story, but the star is the exceptional protagonist.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Chronic illness, and Violence
Moderate: Death, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Rape and Excrement
Ageism