Reviews

The Ship who Sang by Anne McCaffrey

cassiea22's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

iamgriffin's review against another edition

4.0

It was almost 5 stars from me, which is rare. But I didn't like the ending.

folly_problem's review against another edition

4.0

A fun, reflective romp through worlds simultaneously foreign yet understandable. The commentary on disability used to justify the ships does not read well in modern times, but it makes only a small stain on the beginning of what is a classic old-fashioned sci-fi romp through an intriguing fictional universe. But it would feel disingenuous not to mention it.

I breezed through it in a day and barely noticed, recommended for those who enjoy old-fashioned sci-fi, but with perhaps more character depth than found in the characters of Clarke or Asimov. Some of the ideas present make one wonder if this wasn't an influence on Ann Mackie's excellent Ancillary Trilogy. Regardless, I feel it is worth the time of most sci-fi fans.

lonecayt's review against another edition

4.0

In general, I really enjoyed this book. The world building was interesting and entertaining, if slightly dystopian, and the main character was strong and delightfully fleshed out (if not literally). I was a bit on the fence about the last 50 pages, but oh, well. Can't have everything. Though I think what I most appreciated about the book was the emphasis on mental health in interpersonal relationship.

tarana's review against another edition

4.0

I was actually surprised that I enjoyed this book. Gave it a 3.5, but found it worthy enough to up to a 4.

tearsofthetinman's review against another edition

4.0

Read McCaffreys Dragons of Pern in the 80s but was unaware of this sci fi series until a Sci Fi book group made it book of the month.
It’s not hard sci go but sci fi about humanity and it’s characteristics. Helva is the maturing Brain ship, a ship who sings , a ship some forget is a human encased in titanium .

Gorgeous book about humans , humanity and what may come . Will be sure to read more in the future.

bogmummyinvoked's review against another edition

5.0

Love this book

I always come back to Anne McCaffrey for comfort and adventure, Helva never disappoints on those two.
Try Nerilka's Ship.

aruaxe's review against another edition

adventurous reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

milo10000's review against another edition

adventurous reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

There are two things this book does really well: exploring the questions of what makes us human through human, non-human, and in-between characters, and acting as an example (for me) of good older-and-less-comic-focused scifi, which I haven't read a ton of.

Overall, a very enjoyable read.

bgstrong's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 Stars.

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book! I really liked that it was a collection of short stories. It made it somehow easier for me to read, and though each short probably could have been fleshed out to be their own novel or novella, I still felt satisfied at the end of each one.

This book could easily be the subject of a college lit course (one that I would have actually wanted to take!). From the biblical themes to discussions of morality, and even the types of romance explored...this book gives a lot to dissect and talk about!

I've never read an Anne McCaffrey book before, and I'm glad this was the first one.