Remnant Population
Ratings34
Average rating4.2
I absolutely loved the protagonist, and the entire story felt like a breath of fresh air to me.
In her intro Moon mentions Ursula K. Le Guin (<3), Marlen Haushofer's [b:The Wall 586852 The Wall Marlen Haushofer https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1435260852l/586852.SY75.jpg 573687] (<33), and [b:Two Old Women 127810 Two Old Women An Alaskan Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival Velma Wallis https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348013323l/127810.SX50.jpg 528604] (which I don't know but obviously now need to read). So naturally, this felt like a book for me right from the start. While in Haushofer's novel the protagonist is forced into isolation, Moon's Ofelia craves solitude. She is old and cranky, and just sick of having to conform to other people's rules. When she tricks everyone and stays behind after a forced evacuation of their planetary settlement, she flourishes in her newfound freedom and so did I. Tending her vegetables, shedding all unnecessary clothing, and simply following her own rhythm without interruption and restrictions. Paradise! But then, a new set of newcomers arrive. They are different, and also won't leave her alone. And I was shaking with laughter at Ofelia's first reactions. Perfect scifi niche - feminism, social utopias, exploring language and communication with other beings, a focus on small moments, but also there's stuff happening. Plus it has a unique heroine.
