The Seep
Ratings16
Average rating3.7
15
Ratings16
Average rating3.7
“A unique alien invasion story that focuses on the human and the myriad ways we see and don’t see our own world. Mesmerizing.” —Jeff VanderMeer A blend of searing social commentary and speculative fiction, Chana Porter’s fresh, pointed debut explores a strange new world in the wake of a benign alien invasion. Trina FastHorse Goldberg-Oneka is a fifty-year-old trans woman whose life is irreversibly altered in the wake of a gentle—but nonetheless world-changing—invasion by an alien entity called The Seep. Through The Seep, everything is connected. Capitalism falls, hierarchies and barriers are broken down; if something can be imagined, it is possible. Trina and her wife, Deeba, live blissfully under The Seep’s utopian influence—until Deeba begins to imagine what it might be like to be reborn as a baby, which will give her the chance at an even better life. Using Seeptech to make this dream a reality, Deeba moves on to a new existence, leaving Trina devastated. Heartbroken and deep into an alcoholic binge, Trina follows a lost boy she encounters, embarking on an unexpected quest. In her attempt to save him from The Seep, she will confront not only one of its most avid devotees, but the terrifying void that Deeba has left behind. A strange new elegy of love and loss, The Seep explores grief, alienation, and the ache of moving on.
Reviews with the most likes.
This is a strong novel, yet not necessarily defined by a single genre. In fact, Porter brings a type of novel I haven't yet read to the table, and for that I admire her. The protag. is a Native American trans woman - which you don't usually see in fiction regardless of genre - and the writing and plot, though different from the usual fantasy books I find myself drawn to, had me mulling over the pages as it explored grief and deep emotion that we tend to turn away from. If you want a different, yet emotional read, I would recommend The Seep. Yes, it's strange at parts, and yes, there is no defining it, but that's what makes it refreshing and emotional.
1st read (2019):
Wow. This is one that I will want to reread over and over again. It is quiet and moving. How this book explores grief and loss is so excellent. Go into this with as little as possible so you devour every word on your own.
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2nd read (2021):
I was curious how this book would make me feel now so I figured it was worth a reread. As I expected it left me feeling very comforted. Still love this book so much.
The fantasy appeals to me but the specifics of the writing kept taking me out of it
They would soon realize that The Seep had already infiltrated their city's water supply. They were already compromised, already bodily hosts to their new alien friends. It was through that connection they could hear one another's thoughts, feel the same emotions, overlaid with the all-consuming adage that Everything Will Be All Right, No Matter What. The softest invasion had begun.
