Scan barcode
A review by thereadingrambler
Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Satire is difficult to do because people will take it too seriously or will miss the humor; literary deadpan does not communicate well to everyone, especially if you aren't expecting this. Valente does an incredible job of emphasizing the ridiculousness of the premise, plot, and characters through her absolutely over-the-top language. Every word and descriptor has been carefully considered for the purpose of conveying the purpose of the book. Space Opera does what so many people laud science fiction for generally doing: exploring the ramifications of current trajectories or possible futures. Just because Valente does it comedically does not mean she is in any way separate from the other "serious" greats of science fiction.
Now, I will admit I'm biased here because the question of sentience and personhood is directly tied to my academic research. The inclusion of Capo (a cat) was an important element, as well as the monologue on how humans never gave any of the species they killed off to prove they were worthy of saving. At least the aliens are giving the humans that much. The philosophical position of the text is complicated. Of course, the standard argument for nonhuman rights relies, generally, on either the assumption that the possibility of intelligent life merits protection or that life itself merits protection; Valente's premise means that possible sentience isn't meritorious of consideration or protection (unless you can prove it through musical/artistic performance). Possibly the takeaway is that sentience is something limited to talking species rather than just any species. Since the characters admit that sentient life could evolve from another species, the possibility of sentience can arise from anywhere. It is a complicated and nuanced consideration of what makes a species sentient and what sentience even means.
This is a good book for anyone who enjoys a science fictional romp and/or a philosophical consideration of one of the most important and complex issues of the twenty-first century that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Now, I will admit I'm biased here because the question of sentience and personhood is directly tied to my academic research. The inclusion of Capo (a cat) was an important element, as well as the monologue on how humans never gave any of the species they killed off to prove they were worthy of saving. At least the aliens are giving the humans that much. The philosophical position of the text is complicated. Of course, the standard argument for nonhuman rights relies, generally, on either the assumption that the possibility of intelligent life merits protection or that life itself merits protection; Valente's premise means that possible sentience isn't meritorious of consideration or protection (unless you can prove it through musical/artistic performance). Possibly the takeaway is that sentience is something limited to talking species rather than just any species. Since the characters admit that sentient life could evolve from another species, the possibility of sentience can arise from anywhere. It is a complicated and nuanced consideration of what makes a species sentient and what sentience even means.
This is a good book for anyone who enjoys a science fictional romp and/or a philosophical consideration of one of the most important and complex issues of the twenty-first century that doesn't take itself too seriously.