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challenging
hopeful
mysterious
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was everything I wanted in a sci-fi book, and more!
I watched the 1997 movie years ago and fell in love with the concept and mystery surrounding this first-contact (mild spoiler? I guess?! It's in the title!!) story. I've always had it in the back of my mind, and when I saw this book in store, I just had to get my hands on it. Boy, was I glad when I finally got around to reading it.
I won't say this is light reading. The story is often dense, slow paced, and has for some frustrating moments both by our main character and the world around them. Yet, I'm still left with a sense of awe as the author manages to weave such a thoughtful narrative about love, faith, and the power of the universe all in what is otherwise a very grounded setting. I loved how much time we got with our main character of Ellie. Her passion and drive were really a core theme of this book, and watching her strive through the narrative was, at times, beautiful.
While I truly do love this book, I did find at times the pacing to be glacial. In some ways, this was a benefit, allowing us to come to terms with the changing landscape this book brings to the world. Seeing the reactions, choices, and decisions the world has to navigate through made for some of my favourite moments. Especially the strong religious themes. Having being bought up Christian but losing my faith in my late teens, I found it especially poignant seeing deeply religious characters reframe religion in a way that spoke to not only me but the characters within the story. Other times, the book felt to be tredding water, having multiple conflicts that grind the story to a halt until they're removed.
All in all, this is a deeply moving story with a fantastic premise. For all its slow, methodical pace, I still find myself left with a sense of wonder and one I would definitely recommend if this review sounds similar to a vibe you want from sci-fi.
I watched the 1997 movie years ago and fell in love with the concept and mystery surrounding this first-contact (mild spoiler? I guess?! It's in the title!!) story. I've always had it in the back of my mind, and when I saw this book in store, I just had to get my hands on it. Boy, was I glad when I finally got around to reading it.
I won't say this is light reading. The story is often dense, slow paced, and has for some frustrating moments both by our main character and the world around them. Yet, I'm still left with a sense of awe as the author manages to weave such a thoughtful narrative about love, faith, and the power of the universe all in what is otherwise a very grounded setting. I loved how much time we got with our main character of Ellie. Her passion and drive were really a core theme of this book, and watching her strive through the narrative was, at times, beautiful.
While I truly do love this book, I did find at times the pacing to be glacial. In some ways, this was a benefit, allowing us to come to terms with the changing landscape this book brings to the world. Seeing the reactions, choices, and decisions the world has to navigate through made for some of my favourite moments. Especially the strong religious themes. Having being bought up Christian but losing my faith in my late teens, I found it especially poignant seeing deeply religious characters reframe religion in a way that spoke to not only me but the characters within the story. Other times, the book felt to be tredding water, having multiple conflicts that grind the story to a halt until they're removed.
All in all, this is a deeply moving story with a fantastic premise. For all its slow, methodical pace, I still find myself left with a sense of wonder and one I would definitely recommend if this review sounds similar to a vibe you want from sci-fi.