Reviews

Remnant Population by Elizabeth Moon

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luminous's review against another edition

4.0

You may want to DNF this. I wanted to, up to possibly the halfway point! I think Moon lingers a bit too long on Ophelia's mundane activities before the action, such as it is, starts. I value those descriptions of daily life and Ophelia's journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance, but I got the point before the book stopped belaboring it.

Anyway, don't DNF! If you got into this book for first contact and an elderly female protagonist, hang in there. Skim if you have to. Because when it picks up it's sooooo good.

Moon did a the most subtle sprinkling in of background for Ophelia. If you blink you'll miss (though some comes back at the very end) that (one of?) her husband(s) was abusive, and that she did extremely well academically, but her future was already decided so she was not allowed to pursue her studies. Etc. Thought that was pretty cool.

astrochem's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

jhbandcats's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I wish I could remember how I first heard of this book because I loved it and want more suggestions from the same source. It’s warm and full of love for a found family, plus anger and resentment at always being belittled and ignored. There’s also an appreciation for a quiet life of solitude without loneliness.

This is not a complex tale with lots of ins and outs. It’s very simple and straightforward, and it’s so satisfying. It was fun reading of an elderly woman besting the young[er] scientists who think they’re so much smarter than she is. And the development of the friendship and respect between the woman Ofelia and the native creatures is written with such care. It’s clear the author loves her characters.

It was especially enjoyable to read a book with a happy ending. I read of too much misery in the news. This was a welcome break.

Content Warnings