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A review by stormwise
The Galaxy, and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
I absolutely adored this book.
The final instalment in the Wayfarers series, this novel focuses on an unlikely group of aliens that are grounded at the intergalactic equivalent of a service station during a disaster that prevents them from returning to their ships.
The story is character-driven (my favourite!) and explores many topics including the complexity of family and parenthood, the lingering effects of colonialism, and the obstacles of cross-cultural communication and understanding. If I had to choose an overarching theme, however, I would say that this novel is, at its core, about home. It asks: what is home if you've been exiled from your planet, or if your species doesn't even have a planet anymore? What is home if the expectations of your culture are something you're no longer able to meet? Can a home be something you make, or somewhere you go, or people, or a time, or a memory?
Also at one point the aliens discuss the human fascination with cheese and it's hilarious.
Chambers is one of my top authors - I adore their work. Modern sci-fi fans, please make sure you check them out - especially if you appreciate casual queer rep!
The final instalment in the Wayfarers series, this novel focuses on an unlikely group of aliens that are grounded at the intergalactic equivalent of a service station during a disaster that prevents them from returning to their ships.
The story is character-driven (my favourite!) and explores many topics including the complexity of family and parenthood, the lingering effects of colonialism, and the obstacles of cross-cultural communication and understanding. If I had to choose an overarching theme, however, I would say that this novel is, at its core, about home. It asks: what is home if you've been exiled from your planet, or if your species doesn't even have a planet anymore? What is home if the expectations of your culture are something you're no longer able to meet? Can a home be something you make, or somewhere you go, or people, or a time, or a memory?
Also at one point the aliens discuss the human fascination with cheese and it's hilarious.
Chambers is one of my top authors - I adore their work. Modern sci-fi fans, please make sure you check them out - especially if you appreciate casual queer rep!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical content
Minor: Vomit, Chronic illness, and Pregnancy