Review: The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet

Science fiction author Becky Chambers’ debut novel, The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, feels much more like a collection of short stories than it does a novel. But that only adds to its irresistible charm. The story follows the crew of the Wayfarer, a space vessel tasked with tunneling wormholes between planets, as they grow and learn from one another on a heart-warming journey through the cosmos.

There’s Rosemary, the clever clerk, Ashby, the noble captain, Sissix, the kind-hearted pilot, Kizzy and Jinks, the goofy yet ingenious engineers, and Dr Chef, whose name pretty much describes it all. Each character has unique and compelling goals and personalities, fleshing them out into what felt like real, genuine people. Even with such a large cast, the novel is still entirely character-driven. Each member of the Wayfarer has their own hopes, dreams, and exploits that they are allowed to pursue, and they truly become the driving force behind the plot. Readers get to go inside each characters’ head and learn about them, which makes the eventual conclusions to their arcs all the more satisfying. Not to mention, the story narrates the “found family” trope so well that it’s hard not to fall in love with this incredible space-exploring family. 

One thing in particular that stood out to me was Chambers’ willingness to complicate our modern notions of gender and sexuality throughout the novel. She included characters that use they/them or other pronouns, presented queer relationships are viewed as no big deal, and described (often in fascinating detail) alien cultures with different views of gender and sexuality altogether. 

Though the novel is predominantly character-driven, the shining star of the story is its worldbuilding. Chambers doesn’t just give us a planet, no, she gives us an entire galaxy, filled with its own complex histories and aliens and technologies and cultures. She isn’t afraid to take risks, and even make readers uncomfortable with cultures that are fundamentally contrary to our own. 

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet is truly a joy to read, especially when you’re stuck in the world of your household. In times of global chaos, it’s important to escape for a little and remember the wonders of the outside, even if they only exist in a book. Any lovers of science fiction are sure to be captured by the worlds Chambers creates and hooked by the lovable characters and their misadventures.