A review by jonknightknighthunterbooks
The Spare Man by Mary Robinette Kowal
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I don't read a lot of mysteries - and despite the sci fi trappings this very much is one. Bar a few elements it could have been set on a contemporary cruise ship. That said, I suspect I am always going to be likely to read any particular story shape if you add SFF trappings!
The protagonist is struggling with what appears to be PTSD (including flashbacks) throughout; and severe pain and some mobility impairment - all mitigated to some extent by her service dog. All of these elements were really lovely to see in a protagonist; and contributed to making her extremely likable.
As others have noted, her being ultra-ultra wealthy undoes some of that work. She has a formidable lawyer on speed dial she uses as a battering ram, and is inclined to trample people - particularly if she is in pain or angry (both happen a lot).
That aside, I enjoyed the book. The romance between Tesla and her new husband is thoughtfully drawn - something of a signature of Kowal's; being romantic but fading to black before they get particularly physical.
The protagonist is struggling with what appears to be PTSD (including flashbacks) throughout; and severe pain and some mobility impairment - all mitigated to some extent by her service dog. All of these elements were really lovely to see in a protagonist; and contributed to making her extremely likable.
As others have noted, her being ultra-ultra wealthy undoes some of that work. She has a formidable lawyer on speed dial she uses as a battering ram, and is inclined to trample people - particularly if she is in pain or angry (both happen a lot).
That aside, I enjoyed the book. The romance between Tesla and her new husband is thoughtfully drawn - something of a signature of Kowal's; being romantic but fading to black before they get particularly physical.