Govind

This book has a good foundation/concept and it addresses a lot of issues, but the weak plot holds it back. The book feels like a mediocre soup with some amazing vegetables and meat in it. So when those are over and you have to drink the soup, the disappointment hits.

Before I get to the negative parts, I have to say I really liked how the book turns away from the stereotype of a smart character who brings their analytical nature to their love life too. The MC makes some dumb decisions in her love life. I initially didn't like that, but later on, I realised that it made the character feel a bit more real. The novel then does good commentary on the justice and social systems in America and how the system treats minorities. The commentary on police brutality was done really well too. While the villain and one conservative professor felt like exaggerated caricatures, the encounter with the police in one part felt very real. To be honest, they reacted less harshly than the real ones might have.

The writing quality is just alright. Nothing stands out. Overall, it's only an okay read. You don't feel like you got your time's worth, as there wasn't much in terms of an entertaining plot. It mostly felt like a character study and a good look at society. I wouldn't recommend you spend your time on this book. I do, however, see the potential from the author though. If she releases another novel, I will definitely try that out.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the advance review copy.

I have seen The Martian, but this is the first time I am trying a work by Weir. Given the high acclaim, I had high expectations, but it fell flat, and the writing quality leaves a lot to be desired. I was surprised at the amount of cringy, unfunny jokes and bad jokes based on stereotypes. It's 2021 and it's sad that we still doing the bit about foreigners working in sciences not speaking good English. They can figure out all this hard science, but apparently English Garmmar is insurmountable. I just can't with bad grammar to show accent.

I personally didn't enjoy the ending, as I felt it could have been fleshed out more. The last paragraph read just like the last scene from a screenplay. However, even with all its flaws, it's a quick enjoyable read and the plot is way too Intresting to make you stop reading. The middle part in space is really enjoyable.

I will definitely watch the movie (I am sure it will be fantastic) and try more works from the author. I just can't rate it higher though. The writing quality is just not there.

The book starts off heavy. The first chapter is a bit grim and violent (non-graphic). This might put some people off, but it then mellows a lot from there and balances despair and hope very well. We follow the story of two souls that are reincarnated as five different animals (some endangered). Even though the stories are connected, they all could stand on their own also .My favourite one was that of a sea otter.

On the surface, the book is a heartfelt tale about hope, the environment, and the future, but it also goes deeper than that. The book can be seen as an allegory for the population decline crisis in Japan. The novel explores the different ways one cam deal with or approach this issue. One of the stories shows how a person can have a hard time finding personal happiness when facing immense societal pressure to help the species as a whole. I am not going to explain more and ruin the joy. It’s much better to go in without too much information beforehand. This is a fantastic read, and you won’t regret giving it a try.

Thank you Kodansha and NetGalley for the advance review copy.