Reviews with content warning for Xenophobia - La Galaxie vue du sol

This book is divine. I love her writing so much! I wish I could immerse myself in the worlds Chambers create, like a sim.

This was a very different book from the previous entry in the Wayfarer series, and a lot better in my opinion.

There is minimal plot to this book, it mostly follows the characters and their interactions with each other, in a similar tone to Chambers’s previous books. The main topic of the story is difference, how the different characters of varying species contend with this difference in light of disaster. But it wasn’t just about difference, each character was fully formed and felt very vivid.

I love Ouloo’s attentiveness and kindness. I love Tupo’s changeability and curiosity. I love Roveg’s charm and class. I love Speaker’s forthrightness and honesty. I love Pei’s fortitude and openness of her emotions.

Stunning book as ever!

Content Warnings

giulay's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

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

4.0

”And sometimes fear is good. Fear keeps you alive. But it can also keep you from what you really want.”

TW: xenophobia, mentions of gore, mentions of war

I have been tended. I have been taken care of. I have been loved. I have been nourished. I have been nurtured. I have been cocooned. I have been blessed.

Basically, I have read yet another masterpiece written by Becky Chambers.

The Galaxy, and the Ground Within – just like all the other books in the Wayfarers series – has been like a lovely and heart-warming hug.

Her way of depicting emotions and her ability in creating such calm, endearing, empowered and caring characters are truly something that needs to be celebrated and properly highlighted.

What also needs celebrating and highlighting is indeed the complex, messy and so incredibly detailed world Becky Chambers has created.

Even though The Galaxy, and the Ground Within only took place in one (1) location, many fascinating insights were given about other species, other cultures, other planets, other histories. There were also interesting observations and comments on war, political issues, colonization, and respect of human (or alien) rights.

But please do not think that it was a dry and stiff read, because this book was anything but.

The topics tackled might seem formal and dull, but they were infused with so much care, love and emotions that they were simply charming and impactful.

Indeed, the characters of Roveg, Pei, Speaker (and Tracker), Tupo and Ouloo and their connections, relations and stories made for a heartfelt – at times even heart-breaking – tale. Sincerely unforgettable.

Now, if you now Becky Chambers you know that her books are definitely character driven. As a matter of fact, we could argue that <i>The Galaxy, and the Ground Within</i> had absolutely no plot. But, if you know Becky Chambers then you know that the characters themselves are more than enough, as they always manage to deliver a tender, poignant and earnest story.

This was a hopeful, profound and sincere sci-fi – as are all of Becky Chambers’ works, so no surprises there.

It centred around family, love, survival, respect, kindness and much, much more.

What a beautiful, lovely read this one was. A fantastic way to say goodbye to a fantastic series that will always have a special place in my heart.

”We are all in this together.”

Content Warnings

horizonous's review against another edition

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hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

2.75

Content Warnings

szuum's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

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

4.75

Content Warnings

purplatypus's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful medium-paced

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

4.5

Content Warnings

myfantasyreads's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad slow-paced

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

5.0

As always Becky Chambers knocks it out of the park. This book is a little more small scale and quiet than the others, but it gives the same level of joyful reflection of the spirit of all kinds of beings and shows how our differences are valuable.

If you have ever read a contemporary book with close quarters about complete strangers from different walks of life being forced to interact for a few days, that is this book in a sci Fi setting. It's so intimate and personal and such a fitting ending to a book that has brought me so much joy. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Content Warnings

vanadiumbean's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad slow-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

5.0

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