Wednesday, November 16, 2022

The Galaxy and the Ground Within


The Galaxy, and the Ground Within is the fifth and apparently final book in the Wayfarers series. To say I'm going to miss visiting this world is an understatement. The Galactic Commons are an amazing place and Becky Chambers has been telling stories there for several years now, introducing us to new characters and examining the human condition. Although there are no humans here, actually. Everyone in this story is an alien- but this just makes the insights even more gripping. 

An unforeseen accident involving satellites leads to three crews being stranded on Gora at the Five Hop waystation. The planet Gora is not a destination, but it does lie at a nexus of wormhole routes so waystations like Ouloo's serve the clientele passing along. Each crew in this story is a single person- or rather, alien- and each has their own secrets and plans. What happens when they are thrown together? 

And not just thrown together. They become friends- maybe- but along the way we have three different takes- and personalities- on what it means to be human. At least for our benefit. In- universe they're not human at all, and yet we find that in many ways they share the same hopes, dreams, fears. To be a parent, to be in love, to wrestle with moral questions. At what point do we change- or allow ourselves to change- at what point do we allow ourselves to question our moral assumptions- the way we've always done things, just because we always have? 

The queer rep here is paramount- gender fluidity is common, and there are so many questions raised here about how we do things, and what assumptions are made. This is a look at how differences can be surmounted through friendship- love, acceptance- even when we don't agree. At the same time it challenges us again to revisit our assumptions and, in a way, embrace chaos and change, instead of standing still. I want to live in a world like this- where people are accepted, and where one can see the stars, and live a life unfettered by old prejudices. Of course, not every custom or law is archaic or useless- there is always a balance.  

I'm going to miss the Wayfarers universe. I'll read anything Becky Chambers writes, and these books will always be there if I wish to revisit. This is a world I like to think about in my imagination. If you like to be uplifted, entertained, challenged- read these.

21 comments:

  1. I've never read anything by Becky Chambers, but I'll have to check out her books. I don't read much sci fi, but if it's well written, I do enjoy it from time to time. Terrific review, Greg

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  2. The storyline seems interesting, especially about the queer bits. I will find it to read

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  3. Sound interesting and like the cover :-D

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  4. This novel has so much to offer and to make you think in the issues we are facing in society. What a great review! Thanks so much. I will be looking for her work. I had heard of the series. Thanks for the reminder! Happy Weekend!


    Caitlin&Megan
    Ivy&Ellie
    Carefully Listening
    Ellie
    The Book Group
    Holly&Stevie
    Cherry Blossoms
    Better Left Unsaid

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  5. It's so bittersweet when a favorite series ends. At least you can revisit/reread whenever you want.

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  6. I completely agree with you, Greg!! I absolutely love Chambers' writing and this was a bittersweet moment for me, too. A lovely review:)).

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  7. I haven't read these, but I'm intrigued. It is always a little bittersweet when a beloved series comes to an end.

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  8. I'm so far behind in this series, but Chambers does a fab job of creating new worlds and interesting characters. I wonder what she'll write next now that she's finished up this series.

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  9. Gracias por la reseña. Tomo nota. Te mando un beso.

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  10. I have heard so many great things about this series. I might have to give it a try now that it is complete.

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  11. Already missing this series, though this one was not my favorite. The world-building is just so good though, and I loved how each volume felt very different.

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  12. I haven't gone beyond the first book in this series, but I'm kind of excited that there are 5 books! Your reviews always make me want to pick them up.

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  13. Excellent review - this sounds like a series well worth checking out.

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  14. Yay, Becky Chambers! Aw, I didn't realize this was the final book in the series. I've only read the first one. I really need to catch up.

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  15. I'd love to be there listening to jazz in that spot. Looks like Europe?

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  16. I haven't read anything but Becky Chambers -- this sounds like an absolutely gorgeous read! I hope she starts another series like this one!

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  17. I'm glad the series ender was so good. Someday I'll start these books! Story of my life, lol.

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  18. I love finding a series that has me looking forward to each instalment! I hope the author surprises you with another in the series!

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  19. I did borrow some Becky Chambers books, but I haven't really looked at them yet

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  20. I'm definitely going to do a re-read of Long Way at some point; possibly next year. After Long Way, which to me was a good deal better than the rest, my second favorite was Record of a Spaceborn Few, and this one was third. I can't really say I liked the second book a lot, but it was okay. That, however, was a big disappointment coming after Long Way. Thank for sharing your thoughts. I enjoyed this story quite a bit. 🚀

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  21. LaLa recommended the first book to me and I was absolutely mind blown by it... so-so good! I'm a bit afraid to pick up the second one now because I heard, and see above, that she wasn't keen on the second one... I will action it someday though, I'm hardly a scifi buff so it'll probably go down a treat with me, hahaha....

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