The Annual Migration of Clouds

Despite the dystopic future setting, this story is very down-to-earth. In many ways, it's a classic “coming of age” story, about having to grow up too fast and make big important decisions where every option feels like the wrong answer. It's particularly relatable for anyone faced with having to leave behind the world they knew to pursue their future.

Reid's perspective is that of a bright young person who is suddenly excited and overwhelmed with the immensity of the world, and unsure what her place in it will be. Her story and much of the imagery seemed to relate closely to modern tensions about being from a colonized or oppressed group, and being offered a chance to learn or work in one of the colonizer's own institutions. There are feelings of resentment - betrayal even - but also opportunity.

I felt like the ways in which she wrestled with her feelings to be incredibly genuine and touching. How she feels towards her mother and her home, and how uncomfortable she is around people supporting her, even her willingness to doubt what she knows is true; these are all feelings we deal with when making consequential decisions. Too often, protagonists will be sure-headed about doing the right thing, but Reid's emotions felt much more real.

All this is portrayed in a short book with a darkly meditative and occasionally haunting style. If I was disappointed in anything, it's that the story stops so soon. I would have enjoyed more exploration of the world, though I respect the author's choice to stop where she did. Also, some might find the near-future setting was unnerving, and the themes of climate and disease a bit too close to home. But all in all, I will definitely be seeking more from this talented writer.