A Closed And Common Orbit: Flash Review

The second installment in the Wayfarers series, A Closed and Common Orbit takes a detour to follow the exploits of several side characters from the first book. Dealing with the existential malaise of purpose and a sense of belonging in a universe with no explanation as to why we exist, Becky Chambers further explores relatable themes of isolation through a sentient AI trying to fit in a reality where organic life prevails.

The story starts off a little slow at first, with chapters and characters seemingly unrelated to the rest of the storyline. Making it somewhat difficult to keep track of the plot at times. But as the narrative progresses, the reader should find themselves acclimatized to the complex, yet recognizable, concepts of navigating the typical expectations of social, gender, and class constructs. The best thing about this installment in the series, in my opinion, is that it can exist as a standalone from the first book. With minuscule details of backstory related to events from its predecessor, a newcomer can begin this installment of the series without feeling completely lost in the narrative.

Kudos to the author for creating another chapter that is irreverent in humor, but heartfelt and hopeful at its core.

For fans of creative storytelling in the scifi genre I suggest picking up a copy from your favorite bookstore, or click on the link below to purchase it from bookshop.org: An online retailer that supports most local and independent booksellers.

https://bookshop.org/a/13659/9780062569400