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A review by anna_hepworth
Translation State by Ann Leckie
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I loved it. Leckie does such fascinating things with aliens, identity, biology, family, and gender. Also complicated things with pronouns, which are sometimes the only indication that the language has changed/changed register.
There are some convoluted viewpoint shifts, although they were interwoven skillfully, and the early stages were sufficiently discrete that by the time the plot got twisty, I had each of the viewpoint characters as separate in my head. Some of the worst of the twisty plot was dealt with by sections happening off page, and that was good for keeping the plot moving without unnecessarily complicated scenes. In particular, the multiple viewpoint characters was important for this.
All of Leckie's books that I've read do amazing things with world-building, while also presenting a range of complex and nuanced characters, with plots that build in a satisfying manner. And all of this done with beautiful prose.
There are some convoluted viewpoint shifts, although they were interwoven skillfully, and the early stages were sufficiently discrete that by the time the plot got twisty, I had each of the viewpoint characters as separate in my head. Some of the worst of the twisty plot was dealt with by sections happening off page, and that was good for keeping the plot moving without unnecessarily complicated scenes. In particular, the multiple viewpoint characters was important for this.
All of Leckie's books that I've read do amazing things with world-building, while also presenting a range of complex and nuanced characters, with plots that build in a satisfying manner. And all of this done with beautiful prose.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Xenophobia, and Gore