Reviews tagging 'Self harm'

Singer Distance by Ethan Chatagnier

1 review

starrysteph's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional mysterious reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Singer Distance is a beautiful meditation on love and relationships. It’s about tackling the unknown with curiosity and wonder. And really, it’s about the great journeys we take to stay connected with each other.
 
What if we knew for a fact that we weren’t alone in the universe? That fellow intelligent life was practically next door – right on Mars?
 
It’s 1960. Our story begins with a group of five brilliant & eager graduate students, crossing the country in a grungy van in an attempt to respond to Mars’ latest mathematical challenge. Crystal Singer is a mercurial genius, and her boyfriend Rick is both practical and deeply loyal. But after Crystal’s proof is presented, she disappears … and Rick will do anything to keep his love alive and grounded.
 
While Singer Distance creeps into sci fi territory with its galactic plot, its real charm and strength lies in the moments that are earthbound. Yes, it features a slightly alternate history with interplanetary communication … and yet the distance to other intelligent life still feels uncrossable. 
 
Instead, we focus on all the known languages spoken between humans: math, science, poetry, music, and so on. Rick is fighting for his relationship and captivated by his love. The scope is both magnificent and minute, but it is all driven by curiosity, and obsession, and wonder of the unknown. 
 
Chatagnier ruminates on detachment & connection, loneliness & companionship, and the tensions and paradoxes between these concepts. 
 
It’s messy at times, but I found it thoroughly charming and was swept into the ocean of the story. I found this little book to be transportive and emotionally touching. I loved it.
 
CW: grief, abandonment, mental illness, suicide attempt, death of parent, stalking, mental illness

(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
More...