The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet

Cute and sweet, amusing at times. It's definitely lightweight fun. Chambers stimulates the imagination with aliens and space travel, not to mention entertaining characters such as neuro-divergent Kizzy and the warm and wise Dr. Chef. The reader experiences this universe through Rosemary, a new crew member aboard the spaceship Wayfarer. It's a good setup, as Rosemary has lived a sheltered life; we learn as she does.

The rest of the crew are a charming group of misfits composed of various alien species and humans from different backgrounds. Throughout the novel, the group travels through space “punching holes” for quicker hyperspace travel, often interacting with alien species. The characters spend time navigating different customs, morals, ideals, and friction between groups. There is a simple message to the novel, which is summed up nicely by this quote:

“Do not judge other species by your own social norms”

It is reminiscent of the show Firefly but less angsty as everyone's “deep, dark secrets” are discovered quickly and with minimum fuss. Most of the characters aboard the Wayfarer are a well-adjusted and close group. The two exceptions are ill-mannered Corbin and solitary Ohan. They each come to terms with their issues a little too easily for a satisfying conclusion. At times it feels like a lesson for kids in “talking out your problems” and “not judging others.” Nothing in this story is astonishing or controversial. With a little more tension and depth this would have been a big hit with me.