A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky ChambersMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Although a sequel to “A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet” this book follows the character of Lovelace, or Lovey, who leaves the Wayfarer and moves to a new planet. Lovey was formerly the ship AI on the Wayfarer, and has been illegally downloaded into a synthetic body. The narrative of this novel therefore begins anew as Lovey develops a friendship with Pepper, and learns to come to terms with only having one pair of eyes. And the dual problems of not having an overall view of internal spaces, and also being overwhelmed in wide open spaces and in crowds.
We learn that Pepper also has an unconventional background, and the similarities between Lovey and Pepper help to both support their friendship, and create discord through their differing coping methods.
Becky Chambers writes both simply and beautifully. Her language is easy to follow, even when describing what is ultimately a far-flung alien world, with multitudes of species and cultures.
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