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chaz_bo's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A deeply complicated and sometimes frustrating novel. On the one hand, the prose is top-notch and completely immerses you into this new planet, which does somewhat compensate for the many, many plot holes.
However, Peter, the Christian missionary protagonist, is almost unbelievably stupid at most points during the story. First of all, he displays an almost inhuman incuriosity about the basic facts of his situation. Who would volunteer to spend months teaching to an entirely new species without even asking what they look like or how they speak?? The fact that he would go on the mission at all without even trying to find out anything about the planet stretches belief. I suppose in the novel's logic we're supposed to accept this as part of his Christian naivety and innocence, but I just found it took me out of the story. Plus, although this may just be the authors bias, a lot of his descriptions of women are very misogynistic and focus on their appearance.
Also, USIC really doesn't get enough exploration in this book. How can they get away with supplying so little information to the crew? How come no one in the world seems at all interested or shocked by the discovery of a new planet with sentient life. Would it really be possible for them to get away with not sending a single picture or description of the new planet, at least to the government. Also this is a slight nitpick but none of the science really holds up to any scrutiny. How come we can send humans across galaxies but not seem to solve any problems on earth. Also, the rain centrifuge is just a bit stupid. BUILD A POND. However, I can get past all that as this is a very soft Sci-fi novel.
The Oasans are also interesting, if even more frustrating than the humans. Their seemingly fairly easy grasp of English despite the fact they don't seem to have half of our concepts in their society is odd, but you just have to suspend your disbelief because there's no other way the story could be done. If you're looking for a deep and nuanced examination of alien language barriers, watch Arrival, not this. Their society is quite charming and interesting, although it does fall under the alien hivemind trop a little.
The best part of the novel is undoubtedly the actual story and prose. Faber's descriptions of Oasis are fantastic and incredibly tactile. Ideas like the swirling rain and constant humidity are a stroke of genius and really immerse you into the world. The dialogue is also very realistic and moving, especially Peter and Bea's gradually degrading emails. And the ending is certainly interesting, if a little unexplained.
Overall, a really great book, despite its many flaws. if you can bring yourself to ignore the flimsy setting and characters you want to scream at, you're in for a great time.
However, Peter, the Christian missionary protagonist, is almost unbelievably stupid at most points during the story. First of all, he displays an almost inhuman incuriosity about the basic facts of his situation. Who would volunteer to spend months teaching to an entirely new species without even asking what they look like or how they speak?? The fact that he would go on the mission at all without even trying to find out anything about the planet stretches belief. I suppose in the novel's logic we're supposed to accept this as part of his Christian naivety and innocence, but I just found it took me out of the story. Plus, although this may just be the authors bias, a lot of his descriptions of women are very misogynistic and focus on their appearance.
Also, USIC really doesn't get enough exploration in this book. How can they get away with supplying so little information to the crew? How come no one in the world seems at all interested or shocked by the discovery of a new planet with sentient life. Would it really be possible for them to get away with not sending a single picture or description of the new planet, at least to the government. Also this is a slight nitpick but none of the science really holds up to any scrutiny. How come we can send humans across galaxies but not seem to solve any problems on earth. Also, the rain centrifuge is just a bit stupid. BUILD A POND. However, I can get past all that as this is a very soft Sci-fi novel.
The Oasans are also interesting, if even more frustrating than the humans. Their seemingly fairly easy grasp of English despite the fact they don't seem to have half of our concepts in their society is odd, but you just have to suspend your disbelief because there's no other way the story could be done. If you're looking for a deep and nuanced examination of alien language barriers, watch Arrival, not this. Their society is quite charming and interesting, although it does fall under the alien hivemind trop a little.
The best part of the novel is undoubtedly the actual story and prose. Faber's descriptions of Oasis are fantastic and incredibly tactile. Ideas like the swirling rain and constant humidity are a stroke of genius and really immerse you into the world. The dialogue is also very realistic and moving, especially Peter and Bea's gradually degrading emails. And the ending is certainly interesting, if a little unexplained.
Overall, a really great book, despite its many flaws. if you can bring yourself to ignore the flimsy setting and characters you want to scream at, you're in for a great time.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexism and Child abuse
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