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A review by realadhdoug
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
4.5
I absolutely adored this book for one reason above all others—the characters. OMG, the characters. Sure it’s technically a science-fiction space opera or whatever, but most of the time it felt like one of those feel-good sitcoms where a group of friends just hang out and get into shenanigans but have each other’s backs at the end of the day. Normally, in books like this, I have a hard time keeping track of which characters are which. But these characters are so distinctive and full of personality that I don’t think I’ll ever forget them.
In addition to the characters, though, there is actually a plot. Essentially, the story picks up as one of characters is joining the crew of the wayfarer—a spaceship they use to travel through the galaxy drilling wormholes as contractors for the Galactic government. The crew is represented by several species throughout the galaxy and, along the way, their individual histories both tend to get them into trouble and get them back out of it.
There are some intense moments, but the tone is generally light-hearted and fun. I would classify it as more adventure than action. And there is a lot of sociopolitical talk, but it is done in a way that seems reasonable and not at all overly didactic or caricature-ish. Lots of interesting questions raised about the complexity of civilizations trying to get along with one another. Since this is the first of four in the now completed Wayfarers series, I’m gonna dive straight into finding out what happens next. And I can hardly wait!
In addition to the characters, though, there is actually a plot. Essentially, the story picks up as one of characters is joining the crew of the wayfarer—a spaceship they use to travel through the galaxy drilling wormholes as contractors for the Galactic government. The crew is represented by several species throughout the galaxy and, along the way, their individual histories both tend to get them into trouble and get them back out of it.
There are some intense moments, but the tone is generally light-hearted and fun. I would classify it as more adventure than action. And there is a lot of sociopolitical talk, but it is done in a way that seems reasonable and not at all overly didactic or caricature-ish. Lots of interesting questions raised about the complexity of civilizations trying to get along with one another. Since this is the first of four in the now completed Wayfarers series, I’m gonna dive straight into finding out what happens next. And I can hardly wait!