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A review by concretefem
The Actual Star by Monica Byrne
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The ambitiousness of this book is matched (unfortunately) by the tedium of its storytelling and the modestness of its actual story arch.
I would be hesitant to recommend it to sci-fi or speculative fiction lovers because it feels like a genre apart.
Perhaps the best way to describe it is a family drama, dressed up like sci-fi action, similar to EEEAO (my favorite film in years) though far less emotionally resonant.
And that’s ultimately my criticism: 19 hours. 600 pages. 3000 years traversed. But did I feel anything?
I’m afraid not.
I would be hesitant to recommend it to sci-fi or speculative fiction lovers because it feels like a genre apart.
Perhaps the best way to describe it is a family drama, dressed up like sci-fi action, similar to EEEAO (my favorite film in years) though far less emotionally resonant.
And that’s ultimately my criticism: 19 hours. 600 pages. 3000 years traversed. But did I feel anything?
I’m afraid not.