A review by bookcheshirecat
A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers

emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

4.0

“The enhanced call us misfits - people who don't fit their intended purpose. So maybe you're a misfit too. Doesn't mean you're not deserving. Doesn't mean you shouldn't be here.” 

➽ A Closed and Common Orbit was a great, introspective companion novel in the Wayfarers universe. I read The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet ages ago and was eager to check out more books from the Wayfarer series. I like Becky Chambers's full-length sci-fi novels much more than her novellas (the Monk and Robot series was unfortunately mediocre for me)! I definitely recommend reading the first book, as A Closed and Common Orbit follows Lovelace, the former AI system of the Wayfarer who is now setting out on her own in a (highly illegal) body kit. Due to a system restart she's lost her previous identity and parting ways with her former crew that she doesn't really feel attached to anymore.

➽ Lovelace (later renaming herself Sidra) struggles with finding her place and purpose! Since AIs are considered property and only allowed to be installed in specific areas, she has to hide her true identity from everyone. Pepper (and her partner Blue) are the only people who know as they offer her refuge in their home Port Corisol. I really liked seeing Sidra trying to fit into human society when she isn't like everyone else. She still has issues with overstimulation and a lack of constant linking access. Fitting into the human world is difficult for Sidra as she's something other and has to hide it for her own safety! Her POV is introspective and slow-paced, so don't expect any big action scenes!

➽ There's also a second perspective that takes place almost 20 years prior and follows Pepper (formerly named Jane). I have to admit that I enjoyed this POV slightly more, as Lovelace's journey was slow and focused on slice-of-life instead of action. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Jane's journey as it's uncommon to look into the past of a supporting character. It worked out here as it showed why Pepper was willing to help Lovelace in the first place. Her story is heavy, as she starts out as a factory worker unaware of her true identity who's been locked up all her life. After a daring escape, she uncovers an abandoned ship with an AI on board who is her only point of contact. This perspective is much more survival-focused as Jane has to survive with whatever she can scavenge and dreams of somewhere escaping!
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