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A Closed and Common Orbit

Book 2 in the series:Wayfarers

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'A Closed and Common Orbit' by Becky Chambers is a heartwarming and introspective science fiction novel that delves into the lives of two characters, Pepper and Lovelace, as they navigate their search for purpose and identity in a universe filled with diverse life forms and cultures. The book intricately weaves together their stories, exploring themes of friendship, found family, self-determination, and the meaning of personhood, all while offering insightful glimpses into human nature and the AI experience. Through dual timelines and parallel narratives, the author crafts a moving and humane tale that challenges traditional space opera tropes by focusing on the emotional journeys of its protagonists rather than space battles or galactic intrigue.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, with Sidra and Pepper navigating their struggles for identity and belonging, revealing deep personal histories.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style emphasizes character development and emotional depth, employing alternating perspectives to weave compelling narratives.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around the emotional journeys of Sidra, an AI adapting to a human existence, and Pepper, a woman escaping a troubled past, interconnected through their quests for identity.

Setting:

The setting encompasses diverse locales within a futuristic universe, enriching the narrative with cultural and societal complexities.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow, fostering introspection and character development rather than a fast-paced plot.
Lovelace had been in a body for twenty-eight minutes, and it still felt every bit as wrong as it had the second she woke up inside it. There was no good reason as to why. Nothing was malfunctioning. N...

Notes:

A Closed and Common Orbit is a standalone sequel to The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet.
The story alternates between two main characters: Sidra (an AI) and Pepper (formerly known as Jane).
Sidra learns to navigate life in a humanoid body after being an AI on a spaceship.
Pepper’s backstory reveals she was raised as a clone in a factory, highlighting themes of freedom and identity.
The Galactic Commons legally prohibits AIs from inhabiting humanoid bodies, making Sidra's existence illegal.
Both characters experience struggles with identity and belonging in their respective stories.
The author, Becky Chambers, explores themes of friendship and the nature of personhood.
A tattoo plays a significant role in building a friendship between Sidra and an Aeluon named Tak.
The novel touches on philosophical questions related to memory and self-identity.
The overall tone is hopeful, despite dealing with heavy themes like slavery and the right to exist for AIs.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains themes of trauma, abuse, and existential struggles, which may be triggering for some readers.

From The Publisher:

Hugo Award Nominee

National Bestseller!

Winner of the Hugo Award for Best Series!

A Publishers Weekly "Best Books of 2017" pick!

Nominated for the 2017 Hugo Award for Best Novel!

Shortlisted for the 2017 Arthur C. Clarke Award!

Winner of the Prix Julia-Verlanger!

Embark on an exciting, adventurous, and dangerous journey through the galaxy with the motley crew of the spaceship Wayfarer in this fun and heart-warming space opera-the sequel to the acclaimed The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet.

Lovelace was once merely a ship's artificial intelligence. When she wakes up in a new body, following a total system shut-down and reboot, she has no memory of what came before. As Lovelace learns to negotiate the universe and discover who she is, she makes friends with Pepper, an excitable engineer, who's determined to help her learn and grow.

Together, Pepper and Lovey will discover that no matter how vast space is, two people can fill it together.

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet introduced readers to the incredible world of Rosemary Harper, a young woman with a restless soul and secrets to keep. When she joined the crew of the Wayfarer, an intergalactic ship, she got more than she bargained for-and learned to live with, and love, her rag-tag collection of crewmates.

A Closed and Common Orbit is the stand-alone sequel to that beloved debut novel, and is perfect for fans of Firefly, Joss Whedon, Mass Effect, and Star Wars.

Ratings (68)

Incredible (24)
Loved It (27)
Liked It (12)
It Was OK (4)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (93):

Read It (68)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (18)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (5)

2 comment(s)

Incredible
3 months

I think I love this book more than the first one. That's not a common occurrence for me.

The alternating chapters worked really well, especially as the book neared it’s climax. Some of the concepts in the book felt—not quite heavy-handed—but I knew what the author was trying to say (in reference to the issues of identity, gender queerness/fluidity). Despite them being a little on the nose, it helped me really sympathize and better understand people for whom these issues are part of daily life. I loved Jane’s story and was just so drawn in all the way to the finish. I highly recommend this book!

 
Incredible
5 months

This is such a great story. It honestly could be stand alone from the first book. Pepper and Sidra are so amazing. And the end gives me warm fuzzy tears of joy.

 
 
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