A review by agodfrey_gardens
The Past Is Red by Catherynne M. Valente

dark funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Reading this was such a ride, and I didn't anticipate anything that would happen. The Past is Red is a novella about a girl named Tetley and parts of her life living in Garbagetown, a mass of garbage the remnants of the human population lived on after Earth became flooded. She becomes disliked by everyone after a catastrophe that she orchestrated. It doesn't have a linear, solid plot, so if you're reading this for plot, you might be disappointed. However, for me, the main character, Tetley, the worldbuilding, and the writing made up for it. Tetley's voice and characterization of being so hopeful in the face of a harsh reality was so moving and showed humanity's desire to be hopeful and adaptable in spite of dark times. The story itself is a bit absurd and quirky (which may make it hard for some readers to get used to), but it features emotional and heartwarming writing. It is a story about survival, hopefulness, hopelessness, connection, climate change, wastefulness, and humanity.