A review by jemppu
Forty Thousand in Gehenna, by C.J. Cherryh

5.0

Wonderfully perceptive conceptualization of invented societies and cultures, with remarkably Le Guin like precision and authenticity.

An excellently realized narrative, with constant, organically occurring points of suspense; not only in it's most urgent events, but with an overarching lingering tension from various underlying moral uncertainties

While my personal tastes had me more captivated by Cherryh's [b:Cyteen|834518|Cyteen (Cyteen, #1-3)|C.J. Cherryh|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1316469389l/834518._SX50_.jpg|820134] for it's more intimate approach on inner conflicts and explorations on individual's psyche, this still struck as an undeniably accomplished work for it's own specialist theme on wider societal examination.

Also a noteworthy reason for awe is, indeed, that Cherryh is so able to skillfully write narrations with such distinctly different focuses; closely personal or communally resonant. Her tone always just as effortlessly concise; both effective as well as affecting.

This was a worthy read. Both, on it's own and/or as a supporting work to the wider Alliance-Union universe. Encouraging, too, for what all else kind of flavors there still might be to discover from Cherryh's extensive library.