Reviews with content warning for Death - To Be Taught, If Fortunate

I love sci-fi that focuses on exploration and discovery, and this beautiful little novella is a perfect example of that subset of the genre.

Chambers examines the relationship between the self and the species, recognising how all human accomplishments are achieved through the work and contributions of many, be it funding, designing and launching an expedition to distant exoplanets; raising, providing for and educating a future astronaut; or simply the different skills each person brings to a team. In our current climate of capitalist greed fuelled by the arrogance of "self-made" billionaires, it's pertinent to recognise how reliant we all are on the legacies of humanity.

Another major theme of the novella is metamorphosis and change - the characters physically change through the process of 'somaforming' but they also reflect on the effects of aging, experiences and trauma. Linked to this are thoughts of home and how its definition can change over time.

If you like sci-fi but you're put off by complicated science, give this a try - the science aspects were interesting and accessible, allowing the characters to take centre stage and enhancing their reactions to the story's events. This book reminded me of when I would sit up and listen in science lessons, fascinated by what we were learning.

Last but certainly not least, if you like queer characters, then I hope you like a cast comprised ENTIRELY of queer characters! The characters simply exist as queer people - it's no more remarkable than any other part of their identity. Chambers also writes a beautiful chosen family narrative, truly giving the gays everything they want.

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pastelkerstin's review

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emotional inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

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maisierosereads's review

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adventurous challenging reflective medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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sarah984's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring fast-paced

Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This is a neat little novella written as a transmission from a long-term space exploration mission back to the citizens of earth. I loved the way this was written. The prose is beautiful, the ideas are interesting, and each character gets a chance to shine despite the short length.

The ending didn't quite work for me and there was a portion around the third planet they visited that dragged a bit, but I would still highly recommend this.

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