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A review by laurareads87
Nova by Samuel R. Delany
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
First published in 1968, Nova is a classic space opera in many respects -- multiple planet setting, cyborg and other advanced technology, interstellar political dynamics -- but it is also a whole lot more. It is a grail quest of sorts (and very explicitly draws on this influence) and contains many a subtle reference to other influences as well (several of which I've no doubt I missed). There are discussions of how history is written, how technology impacts the experience of work, and more.
As a tarot reader I appreciate the attention to detail in the representation of the cards in this story. At one point, a character performs an entire Celtic Cross reading. In a few scenes, characters play tarocchi. In a wonderful section of dialogue, a character chooses a major arcana card as a significator only to be told he's not allowed to choose that one to represent himself (those familiar with tarot will, I think, get a few good laughs in this book). On several occasions characters discuss their belief (or not) in tarot and what it can do in interesting ways.
In terms of representation, for a SFF book written in 1968 there is a lot of racial & cultural diversity amongst the crew. I will note that the repeated use of the g-slur to refer to a Romani character -- an interesting, complex, multi-faceted character whom I appreciate overall -- did bother me (the term Romani being only used I believe once, in reference to a language he speaks); this is unfortunate as the book does actually discuss anti-Roma racism & some of the character's experiences with it. Several female characters contribute meaningfully to the plot, and there is some suggestion of sexual diversity here as well. I enjoyed several of the different relationships developed over the course of the novel, though I would describe this book as definitely more plot- than character-driven overall.
<i>Content warnings:</i> racial slurs, violence, fire injury, injury, death, incest (alluded to only)
As a tarot reader I appreciate the attention to detail in the representation of the cards in this story. At one point, a character performs an entire Celtic Cross reading. In a few scenes, characters play tarocchi. In a wonderful section of dialogue, a character chooses a major arcana card as a significator only to be told he's not allowed to choose that one to represent himself (those familiar with tarot will, I think, get a few good laughs in this book). On several occasions characters discuss their belief (or not) in tarot and what it can do in interesting ways.
In terms of representation, for a SFF book written in 1968 there is a lot of racial & cultural diversity amongst the crew. I will note that the repeated use of the g-slur to refer to a Romani character -- an interesting, complex, multi-faceted character whom I appreciate overall -- did bother me (the term Romani being only used I believe once, in reference to a language he speaks); this is unfortunate as the book does actually discuss anti-Roma racism & some of the character's experiences with it. Several female characters contribute meaningfully to the plot, and there is some suggestion of sexual diversity here as well. I enjoyed several of the different relationships developed over the course of the novel, though I would describe this book as definitely more plot- than character-driven overall.
<i>Content warnings:</i> racial slurs, violence, fire injury, injury, death, incest (alluded to only)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Xenophobia, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Incest