The Best of All Possible Worlds

author: Karen Lord

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.74

book published: 2013

rating: 4

read at: 2013/04/11

date added: 2013/04/11

shelves:

review:

If Jane Austen wrote an SF story, what would it look like? It might look very much like 'The Best Of All Possible Worlds,' a wonderful new book by Karen Lord.



When the Sadiri lose their home planet, they are faced with racial extinction. Their only hope lies in sending expeditions out, including to Cygnus Beta where offshoots of their bloodline are thought to exist. An expedition is sent to explore and, hopefully, save their very existence. They are led by a monk-like leader of the Sadiri named Dllenahkh, and an unconventional native of Cygnus Beta named Grace Delarua. Grace is chosen because of an affinity for languages and emotional intuition, which will benefit communication with her visitors. Although Grace and Dllenahkh couldn't be more different, we see their relationship develop over a series of encounters with these distant tribes and cultures of the Sadiri.



Besides Austen, this book is very reminiscent of classic SF works by LeGuin, Bradbury and newer works by Bujold, as well as Star Trek. It's a sociological view of SF as the characters try to understand each other and deal with their mannered faux pas along the way. The approach to problem solving by the characters is refreshingly mature, and while some of it felt a bit predictable, I enjoyed every page.



I hope this book is remembered next year during awards season. If so, I shall be cheering loudly for it. A breath of fresh air and highly recommended.





via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/509354113?utm_medium=api&utm_source=rss