Play Book Tag discussion

Translation State by Ann Leckie - 4* - My Review

This is a most unusual and creative story set in the Radch universe, which apparently was the subject of a previous trilogy (and which I have not read). The narrative rotates among a trio of main characters, who are a mix of human and alien species. Enae is a woman whose grandmother has died and is sent on a quest to find a space traveler not seen in two hundred years. Reet is an adopted orphan who wants to understand his heritage. Qven is a young Presgr translator who is being prompted to “merge” with an adult. [The process of “merging” is rather grotesque and seems to involve a form of cannibalism.] These three main characters start out separately and their fates eventually intertwine.

The characters are all misfits in some way. They want something different than their social structure has dictated. There are questions as to whether or not they qualify as “human,” and their rights change in accordance with the rulings. I found it easy to root for them to succeed. Themes include identity, gender, age, and power. There are many pronouns in usage, and it is a very contemporary novel in that regard. It is not my usual fare, but it has a positive message and I ended up enjoying it very much. I think it makes sense to read the trilogy first in order to gain familiarity with the Radch universe.

PBT Comments: I think many here at PBT will enjoy this book even more than I did. If you are a regular reader of SciFi/Fantasy, give it a go and let me know what you think!