Plot Summary

Light from Other Stars

Erika Swyler
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Light from Other Stars

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

Book Brief

Erika Swyler

Light from Other Stars

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Florida • 1980s

Theme
Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Light from Other Stars by Erika Swyler, astronaut Nedda Papas, on a mission to Mars, reflects on her childhood in 1980s Florida, where her father's experiment to stop her from growing up disrupts time itself. Critics praise its exploration of scientific morality and the challenges faced by young girls in a patriarchal society. Themes of loss and familial sacrifice run throughout the narrative.

Nostalgic

Contemplative

Emotional

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

4.0

4,107 ratings

66%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Light from Other Stars by Erika Swyler has garnered praise for its evocative prose and layered storytelling. The novel deftly intertwines themes of space, time, and family. Some critics found the pacing uneven, but many appreciated the emotional depth and scientific intricacy. Swyler’s exploration of grief and ambition resonates, making it a compelling read despite occasional slow moments.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Light from Other Stars?

Readers who enjoy speculative fiction interwoven with deep emotional narratives will appreciate Light from Other Stars by Erika Swyler. Fans of The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger and Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel will likely find this poignant exploration of space, time, and family compelling.

4.0

4,107 ratings

66%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Erika Swyler's background in theater and playwriting influences her narrative style in Light from Other Stars, adding a dramatic and immersive touch to the storytelling.

The book explores themes of time and memory, inspired in part by Swyler's fascination with science and her own father’s work as an engineer.

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Light from Other Stars interweaves speculative fiction with historical elements, drawing on the backdrop of the 1980s Space Shuttle program to add authenticity to its narrative.

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Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Florida • 1980s

Theme
Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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