A review by readingnookreviews
Vagabonds by Hao Jingfang

3.0

Wow this is a BRICK of a book! Coming in at a whopping 640 pages, this science fiction novel has an immersive new universe of Earth and Mars, and their differing cultures on each planet. I found the premise and underlying tension interesting, however I was rather bored overall. I liked the unique main characters but there was such a slow pace that I didn’t feel really paid off in the end.

“Vagabonds” was rather tedious, however the author did clearly show the contrasting values and struggle of integrating/reintegrating into a society that differs so widely from the other (Earth or Mars). There are many lengthy passages regarding philosophical and political struggles the characters go through, and I felt that the tangents took away from the main storyline/plot. There just wasn’t a strong conflict/plot to keep the reader captivated and interested.

If you are looking for a sci-fi book that also feels a bit like a Philosophy 101 class, then this is for you! Personally, I wanted more focus on the sci-fi concepts and overall world since the descriptions were beautifully written.

Thank you to BookishFirst and Gallery/Saga Press for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!