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A review by branch_c
Arabella of Mars by David D. Levine
4.0
A fantastic story, in more than one sense, and executed with a masterful confidence and style. The writing is elegant and precise, the plot is creative and well-constructed, and the details of the world are meticulously yet seamlessly presented.
I can't help but compare this book to two others involving traveling to Mars by unconventional means: Michael J. Martinez's The Daedalus Incident and Felix Gilman's The Revolutions. Although there are superficial similarities with both, this book surpasses them in practically every way. Compared to the Gilman book, it's the tone that distinguishes this one; here we have a fun and exciting adventure as opposed to a morose descent into gloom. And although this story has even more in common with The Daedalus Incident, the polished writing, as well as the accuracy and consistency, make this book superior. The nautical concepts and terminology used here are brilliantly thought out, to the point where travel between planets by wooden sailing vessel seems quite logical given the physics of this universe. Interestingly, Martinez is mentioned in the acknowledgements, but again, Levine has produced a much better elaboration of the concept.
The characters are interesting and well drawn, with the exception of the more minor crew members, who sometimes seem to have been pulled in and repurposed as needed. Only two more significant complaints about the book: first, the trope of girl passing as boy has never rung true for me in any story, and this one is no exception. No doubt it's happened in reality, and surely there are those who are fooled, but it just seems unbelievable to me that none of those who Arabella interacts closely with would even be suspicious. And second, the tidy resolutions of the two major conflicts in the book came across as a bit too easy for me. Not that there isn't hardship leading up to them, but the quick and easy wrap-ups are a little bit of a stretch.
But those are minor concerns, and overall this book is a fine achievement, enjoyable to read in almost every way. Highly recommended.
I can't help but compare this book to two others involving traveling to Mars by unconventional means: Michael J. Martinez's The Daedalus Incident and Felix Gilman's The Revolutions. Although there are superficial similarities with both, this book surpasses them in practically every way. Compared to the Gilman book, it's the tone that distinguishes this one; here we have a fun and exciting adventure as opposed to a morose descent into gloom. And although this story has even more in common with The Daedalus Incident, the polished writing, as well as the accuracy and consistency, make this book superior. The nautical concepts and terminology used here are brilliantly thought out, to the point where travel between planets by wooden sailing vessel seems quite logical given the physics of this universe. Interestingly, Martinez is mentioned in the acknowledgements, but again, Levine has produced a much better elaboration of the concept.
The characters are interesting and well drawn, with the exception of the more minor crew members, who sometimes seem to have been pulled in and repurposed as needed. Only two more significant complaints about the book: first, the trope of girl passing as boy has never rung true for me in any story, and this one is no exception. No doubt it's happened in reality, and surely there are those who are fooled, but it just seems unbelievable to me that none of those who Arabella interacts closely with would even be suspicious. And second, the tidy resolutions of the two major conflicts in the book came across as a bit too easy for me. Not that there isn't hardship leading up to them, but the quick and easy wrap-ups are a little bit of a stretch.
But those are minor concerns, and overall this book is a fine achievement, enjoyable to read in almost every way. Highly recommended.