A review by greenwillow77
Light from Other Stars by Erika Swyler
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This is a poetic, stately kind of a story that is both fascinating, sad, & hopeful. The twist is great, a really neat change from what might have been expected, & the use of science as a language in common between the characters is excellent. I particularly enjoyed Nedda & Betheen’s relationship developing through the story, & the tang of gender discrimination in STEM that that carried with it. There are times when the flow of the story seems to get lost & disjoints (if you don’t like multiple POV then this isn’t the book for you), but it is so lovely & heartfelt that I can almost forgive that. The theme of loss is handled in a way that resonated with me very deeply, brought tears to my eyes.
Spoiler
the immortality of becoming energy travelling the universe like Judy Resnik or Theo PappasGraphic: Grief, Child death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Death and Child abuse
Minor: Death