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Record of a Spaceborn Few

Book 3 in the series:Wayfarers

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'Record of a Spaceborn Few' in the series 'Wayfarers' by Becky Chambers is a character-driven science fiction novel that explores the lives of individuals aboard the Exodus Fleet, a multigenerational fleet of humans. The book delves into themes of community, culture, and encounters with other species, focusing on the daily lives and struggles of characters like Isabel, Tessa, Kip, and Eyas as their stories intertwine within the fleet. The writing style is described as thoughtful, warm-hearted, and engaging, with a strong emphasis on world-building and detailing the intricacies of life within the fleet.

The narrative of 'Record of a Spaceborn Few' offers a snapshot in time of the Exodus Fleet, showcasing how the human race has evolved and adapted while traveling through space. The book presents a unique perspective on maturing as a species and the importance of preserving identity while embracing new experiences. Through multiple point-of-view characters and a gentle, plotless storytelling approach, Becky Chambers crafts a rich and believable world centered on the human fleet's journey, exploring themes of family, culture, and the search for meaning in a confined yet diverse environment.

Characters:

The characters are relatable and complex, each navigating personal dilemmas and societal changes within the Fleet.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is reflective and character-focused, rich in emotional nuances and philosophical undertones.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around the daily lives of the inhabitants of a generational ship, focusing on character experiences rather than a central conflict.

Setting:

The setting is a generational ship fleet in space, exploring life, community, and identity amidst ongoing societal changes.

Pacing:

The pacing is deliberately unhurried, focusing on character development over traditional plot advancement.
Tessa looked up from her small workbench and down to her even smaller daughter. ‘I can’t take you now, baby,’ she said. She nodded toward the cleanerbot she was trying to coax back to life. ‘I want to...

Notes:

This is the third book in the Wayfarers series by Becky Chambers.
The book can be read as a standalone, but it's better enjoyed after reading the previous two.
The story is set in the Exodus Fleet, a community of generation ships carrying the last humans who fled a dying Earth.
There is no main plot; the focus is on character development and world-building.
Each chapter revolves around different characters, highlighting everyday life in the fleet.
Characters include Tessa, a cargo worker; Sawyer, a young immigrant; Kip, a restless teenager; Isabel, an archivist; and Eyas, a caretaker for the dead.
The book explores themes of belonging, cultural identity, and the impact of change on a close-knit community.
Life aboard the fleet is largely based on a barter system, unlike the Galactic Commons with a currency system.
Chambers uses a philosophical approach, tackling questions about purpose and what it means to belong.
There are strong elements of hope and community woven throughout the narrative.
The book touches on environmental sustainability, recycling of resources, and the cycle of life.
It's noted for its positive representation of various identities and inclusive relationships.
The writing style is emotional, focusing on personal struggles and the mundane aspects of life in space.

From The Publisher:

National Bestseller!

Winner of the Hugo Award for Best Series!

Brimming with Chambers' signature blend of heart-warming character relationships and dazzling adventure, Record of a Spaceborn few is the third standalone installment of the Wayfarers series, set in the sprawling universe of the Galactic Commons, and following a new motley crew on a journey to another corner corner of the cosmos-one often mentioned, but not yet explored.

Return to the sprawling universe of the Galactic Commons, as humans, artificial intelligence, aliens, and some beings yet undiscovered explore what it means to be a community in this exciting third adventure in the acclaimed and multi-award-nominated science fiction Wayfarers series, brimming with heartwarming characters and dazzling space adventure.

Hundreds of years ago, the last humans on Earth boarded the Exodus Fleet in search of a new home among the stars. After centuries spent wandering empty space, their descendants were eventually accepted by the well-established species that govern the Milky Way.

But that was long ago. Today, the Exodus Fleet is a living relic, the birthplace of many, yet a place few outsiders have ever visited. While the Exodans take great pride in their original community and traditions, their culture has been influenced by others beyond their bulkheads. As many Exodans leave for alien cities or terrestrial colonies, those who remain are left to ponder their own lives and futures: What is the purpose of a ship that has reached its destination? Why remain in space when there are habitable worlds available to live? What is the price of sustaining their carefully balanced way of life-and is it worth saving at all?

A young apprentice, a lifelong spacer with young children, a planet-raised traveler, an alien academic, a caretaker for the dead, and an Archivist whose mission is to ensure no one's story is forgotten, wrestle with these profound universal questions. The answers may seem small on the galactic scale, but to these individuals, it could mean everything.

Ratings (38)

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Loved It (15)
Liked It (9)
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Reader Stats (51):

Read It (39)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (9)
Not Interested (2)

About the Author:

Becky Chambers is a science fiction author based in Northern California. She is best known for her Hugo Award-winning Wayfarers series, which currently includes The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, A Closed and Common Orbit, and Record of a Spaceborn Few. Her books have also been nominated for the Arthur C. Clarke Award, the Locus Award, and the Women's Prize for Fiction, among others. Her most recent work is To Be Taught, If Fortunate, a standalone novella.

Becky has a background in performing arts, and grew up in a family heavily involved in space science. She spends her free time playing video and tabletop games, keeping bees, and looking through her telescope. Having hopped around the world a bit, she's now back in her home state, where she lives with her wife. She hopes to see Earth from orbit one day.

 
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