To Be Taught If Fortunate
ISBN: 9781473697188
Description
At the turn of the twenty-second century, scientists make a breakthrough in human spaceflight. Through a revolutionary method known as somaforming, astronauts can survive in hostile environments off Earth using synthetic biological supplementations. They can produce antifreeze in sub-zero temperatures, absorb radiation and convert it for food, and conveniently adjust to the pull of different gravitational forces. With the fragility of the body no longer a limiting factor, human beings are at last able to explore neighbouring exoplanets long suspected to harbour life.
Reviewed on 24th August 2024
This short novel follows the small crew of an exploratory space vessel visiting several exo-planets. Each chapter is like a novella covering their time at a different destination.
It’s a lot more focussed on the science than previous Chambers novels that I’ve read, but that’s doesn’t stop it from having a compelling narrator/protagonist, and complex set of supporting characters, and a solid plot to build them around.
I enjoyed this brief visit to a new Chambers universe. She manages to build fascinating worlds with subtlety and utter believability that fill the reader with the wonder that the characters experience.
Looking forward to more of her books as I can find them.
