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48 pages 1 hour read

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014

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Book Brief

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Becky Chambers

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

464

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Galaxy • Distant Future

Theme
Topic
Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers follows Rosemary Harper, who joins the crew of the Wayfarer, a ship that creates wormholes between star systems. As they travel to fulfill a contract, Rosemary learns about the diverse crew, their backgrounds, and their relationships. The plot centers on their interactions and emotional connections, set against a backdrop of various galactic encounters and challenges.

Hopeful

Adventurous

Heartwarming

Humorous

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.3

185,426 ratings

82%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers is praised for its richly developed characters and inclusive, optimistic universe. Reviewers highlight its thought-provoking themes and engaging dialogue. However, some readers find the plot lacks urgency and traditional conflict. Overall, it's celebrated for building a warm, diverse sci-fi world.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet?

A reader who enjoys The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers likely appreciates character-driven space operas and strong ensemble casts. Fans of Firefly or The Expanse series would relish the diverse, inclusive stories and the emphasis on relationships over action.

4.3

185,426 ratings

82%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Ashby Santoso

The captain and owner of the Wayfarer, a pacifist Exodan from the Exodus Fleet, who leads his crew in creating wormhole passages between Galactic Commons systems.

A Martian clerk for the Wayfarer, who adopts a new identity to escape her past and is characterized by her desire to fit in and learn about wider galactic society.

The Aandrisk pilot of the Wayfarer, known for her care towards the crew and her unique family structure based on chosen bonds.

The ship's Grum doctor and cook, who also serves as an unofficial therapist and provides a compassionate presence aboard the Wayfarer.

A Sianat navigator for the Wayfarer, known as a Pair, who guides the ship through subspace with the help of the Whisperer virus they are infected with.

One of the Wayfarer's technicians, known for her brilliance in mechanics despite a lack of organization and focus, along with her vivid personality.

A technician responsible for the Wayfarer's systems, notable for his bodily autonomy and pansexual relationship with the ship's AI, Lovey.

The Wayfarer's AI, tasked with monitoring ship systems and assisting the crew, who has developed a unique personality since her installation.

The algaeist of the Wayfarer, who maintains the ship's fuel-production algae vats and is mostly solitary and focused on his work.

Book Details
Pages

464

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Galaxy • Distant Future

Theme
Topic
Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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