Tabitha Tomala
Becky Chambers is one of those authors who writes in a way where the core themes of her novels hit on a deep emotional level. The characters and stories are so much more than just words on the page. There are meanings behind every action, every dialogue, and every scene.
In Record of a Space Born Few, there are several characters looking for more in their life, searching for something missing yet not all can pinpoint what that something could be. Tessa is happy with her life at the Fleet, yet things are changing and it makes her feel as though she is losing her place. Kip bounces from one job trial to another, never satisfied with the work. He yearns to do more and to explore the world. Sawyer has lost everything and searches for a community to reconnect with. Isabelle is a Fleet archivist and host to Ghuh’loloan, a researcher who opens her eyes to new possibilities for the Fleet. And lastly, there is Eyas, a caretaker for the dead who knows her purpose, enjoys her work, and yet still wants to do more, but doesn’t quite know what.
Following each of these characters will take readers on thought provoking and touching journeys. Some will find their way, some will be lost, and others will be caught up in things greater than themselves. Not everyone’s story ends happily, but each serves as a catalyst for the next, unknowingly helping one another in their search for something more. The writing is so well done. Each piece fits smoothly together, giving readers a complex yet simple to understand network of characters and stories.
Readers who enjoy stories focused on the characters and wonderful themes need to try out Becky Chambers' books. While they don’t have to be read in order, each one has a small tie back to the original novel. And each one brings to light another hard hitting theme in a way that harmonizes with the reader and characters. Yes, they are in sci-fi settings, but even those who don’t normally read sci-fi will enjoy Record of a Space Born Few and the other novels.
Originally posted at www.behindthepages.org.
Becky Chambers is one of those authors who writes in a way where the core themes of her novels hit on a deep emotional level. The characters and stories are so much more than just words on the page. There are meanings behind every action, every dialogue, and every scene.
In Record of a Space Born Few, there are several characters looking for more in their life, searching for something missing yet not all can pinpoint what that something could be. Tessa is happy with her life at the Fleet, yet things are changing and it makes her feel as though she is losing her place. Kip bounces from one job trial to another, never satisfied with the work. He yearns to do more and to explore the world. Sawyer has lost everything and searches for a community to reconnect with. Isabelle is a Fleet archivist and host to Ghuh’loloan, a researcher who opens her eyes to new possibilities for the Fleet. And lastly, there is Eyas, a caretaker for the dead who knows her purpose, enjoys her work, and yet still wants to do more, but doesn’t quite know what.
Following each of these characters will take readers on thought provoking and touching journeys. Some will find their way, some will be lost, and others will be caught up in things greater than themselves. Not everyone’s story ends happily, but each serves as a catalyst for the next, unknowingly helping one another in their search for something more. The writing is so well done. Each piece fits smoothly together, giving readers a complex yet simple to understand network of characters and stories.
Readers who enjoy stories focused on the characters and wonderful themes need to try out Becky Chambers' books. While they don’t have to be read in order, each one has a small tie back to the original novel. And each one brings to light another hard hitting theme in a way that harmonizes with the reader and characters. Yes, they are in sci-fi settings, but even those who don’t normally read sci-fi will enjoy Record of a Space Born Few and the other novels.
Originally posted at www.behindthepages.org.