Description
Book SynopsisIn the future, instead of terraforming planets to sustain human life, explorers of the galaxy transform themselves.
*FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR*
''Extraordinary . . . A future masterwork'' Joanne Harris
At the turn of the twenty-second century, scientists make a breakthrough in human spaceflight. Through a revolutionary method known as somaforming, astronauts can survive in hostile environments off Earth using synthetic biological supplementations. They can produce antifreeze in sub-zero temperatures, absorb radiation and convert it for food, and conveniently adjust to the pull of different gravitational forces. With the fragility of the body no longer a limiting factor, human beings are at last able to explore neighbouring exoplanets long suspected to harbour life.
Ariadne is one such explorer. On a mission to ecologically survey four habitable worlds fifteen light-years from Earth, she and her fe
Trade Review
Becky Chambers takes space opera in a whole new and unexpected direction, her books bring me so much joy * Ben Aaronovitch, author of Rivers of London *
Outstanding . . . Chambers packs an immense amount of story into a novella worthy of full-length praise * Publishers Weekly, Starred Review *
Epic in the scale of discoveries but with a miniaturist's eye for detail, and as revealing of the observers as the observed. In a word, brilliant * Andrew Caldecott, author of Rotherweird *
Some of the most forward-thinking, inspiring science fiction out there . . . a joyful antidote to crushed spirits and a celebration of the power of curiosity, love, adventure and discovery * Claire North, author of The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August *
[A] compelling exploration of home, family, and what makes us human in the midst of all that isn't, but could be. An extraordinary picture of humanity among the stars. * Kirkus Reviews *
Rendered with startling clarity, Chambers' latest offering is a short but fierce ode to humanity and all our reaches and flaws. Unputdownable * Natasha Ngan, author of Girls of Paper and Fire *
Extraordinary . . . A future sci-fi masterwork in a new and welcome tradition * Joanne Harris, author of Chocolat *
The best speculative fiction currently being written . . . Becky Chambers is a wonder, and I feel better for having her books in my life * John Connolly, author of the Charlie Parker Thrillers *
There's a quiet beauty to Chambers' writing that envelopes you in her story and holds you tight until the very end. Proof that a novel doesn't have to depth, meaning and intelligence. * CultureFly *
Chambers creates an energy of hope and determination with every word, bringing life to space travel and the wonders - and traumas - of Earth's possible future * Library Journal *
An exquisite expression of our moment in time. Here's why we need to keep going boldly into space - not to exploit, but to learn. Impressive and essential * Stephen Baxter, author of Promixa *
With deft prose and her usual flair for excellent characterization, Becky Chambers brings a cast of astronauts through time, space, and physical form to show us what it means to be human on this side of the galaxy * Laura Lam, author of False Hearts and Seven Devils *
a lovely, gentle, uncompromisingly character-centred piece of work * Locus Magazine *
Chambers delivers a story that simultaneously invites readers into her vision of the future, and pleads for an interrogation of our present . . . To Be Taught, If Fortunate deserves the stars and more * Tor.com *
Becky Chambers writes aliens like no one else ... the only flaw in this series is you'll wish you could spend more time with all of them * NPR 50 Best Sci-fi and Fantasy Books of the Past Decade *
