A review by aether
The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite

emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

I do not have enough good things to say about this book! If you can get past the cheesy cover, it's an excellent blend of love, the search for excellence, and the ever-present battle against the patriarchy. I was surprised at all the feminist aspects of this book, but they really help to tell a story of women pushing the boundaries of what it means to exist in society (intellectually, emotionally, and romantically). The book is also so, so tender and just filled to the brim with earnest, wholesome love.

Waite also does a wonderful job of using astronomical descriptions for human interactions and her description of events in genera. They  are vivid and help one to feel like they're present in a scene. Mix in some astronomy with the lesbian romance? It's like this book was written with me in mind!


What seems to be the initial conflict of the book, the translation done by Lucy, resolves rather quickly! And so much more comes up in its place afterwards.
I was also pleased and surprised that the first really in-depth description of a sex scene didn't come until 220+ pages into the book. Which was fine for me - the characters are so wonderful and compelling, that the sex was merely an added bonus on top it.
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