A review by teachergabi
Too Like the Lightning by Ada Palmer

3.0

"You will never understand this history if you do not dare read about another's God."

I'll admit, I may have read this book a couple of decades too early. 😂

I could summarize it this way: "Ada Palmer has created a futuristic world so different from anything I've ever read, watched or heard of, where nation states don't exist, where religion is banned and gender forcibly eradicated with the use of interchanging pronouns and gender neutral language (I'll also admit that this was the part that drove me mad, and made me realize how much of my thoughts of a character, whether fictional or real, are based on assumptions I make based on gender). It is a world with centuries of peace. And yet, the seemingly perfect utopia is on the brink of social collapse."

I could, but that wouldn't be complete. For what made me plod through and finish the book was the deep respect and admiration I have for the author's brilliant prose, her ideas all contributing to "The Great Conversation" which includes all philosophical, political and moral thought from the time of the Ancient Greeks until this modern one, based on Enlightenment ideas. It thrilled me to be a part of this conversation, albeit only a reader/listener.

Did I enjoy reading it? Yes and no. Yes, for the incredible style and all the learning contained within! I need to re-read it to properly savor the heavy themes!

But also, it was difficult reading. And for that, I would have to say "no" as well. It made my head ache!

I SHALL read the next books in the series. But perhaps, I need to wait a decade or more, so I may grow in wisdom and understanding, so I can appreciate them more fully. Perhaps I'll be ready... In 2454 (the year the novel is set), haha.

Trivia for NK Jemisin fans out there: This book was a finalist to be considered for the 2017 Hugo, which eventually went to THE OBELISK GATE.