The novel 'Aurora' by Kim Stanley Robinson is a science fiction story that follows a multi-generation spaceship on a journey from Earth to colonize the Tau Ceti system. The book delves into the challenges encountered during the expedition, focusing on engineering obstacles, biological adaptations, and social issues that arise within the crew. The narrative is driven by the perspective of an AI or AIs, providing unique insights into human intentionality and evolution, as well as exploring themes of sustainability, adaptation, and the consequences of space colonization.

Characters:

Characters include Devi and Freya, with the ship's AI, Ship, serving as a central character. However, human characters often feel less developed.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is dense and technical, with significant philosophical exploration, often narrated from the perspective of the ship's AI.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around a generation ship traveling to Tau Ceti, facing mechanical and social challenges, with a strong focus on the ship's AI as a unique narrative voice.

Setting:

Set aboard a generation ship en route to Tau Ceti, exploring various biomes and the complexities of colonization.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, with slow sections that may detract from overall engagement.

Freya and her father go sailing. Their new home is in an apartment building that overlooks a dock on the bay at the west end of Long Pond. The dock has a bunch of little sailboats people can take out,...

Notes:

The story of Aurora is set on a generational ship traveling 170 years to colonize a planet in the Tau Ceti system.

The novel includes a unique narrator: the ship's artificial intelligence, named Ship, which gains self-awareness.

Robinson explores the technical and ecological challenges of long-term space travel and colonization.

Themes of identity, intelligence, and the philosophical implications of sentience are central to the narrative.

The main characters include Devi, the ship's chief engineer, and her daughter, Freya, but the AI Ship emerges as a key character.

Contrary to the more optimistic tone of Robinson's earlier Mars Trilogy, Aurora has a more pessimistic view of humanity's chances of successfully colonizing other planets.

Much of the conflict arises during the colonization attempts on a moon in the Tau Ceti system, leading to civil unrest among the colonists.

The book has been described as deeply thought-provoking, challenging the notion of humanity spreading beyond Earth due to the inherent difficulties.

Robinson includes extensive scientific detail, exploring orbital mechanics and biological sustainability in closed ecosystems.

The ending reflects on the value of life on Earth, contrasting with the struggles faced in space colonization efforts.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Aurora include themes of ecological disaster, civil conflict, existential struggles, and the challenges of interstellar travel.

From The Publisher:

A major new novel from one of science fiction's most powerful voices, Aurora tells the incredible story of our first voyage beyond the solar system.

Brilliantly imagined and beautifully told, it is the work of a writer at the height of his powers.

Our voyage from Earth began generations ago.

Now, we approach our new home.

AURORA.

Ratings (20)

Incredible (5)
Loved It (9)
Liked It (4)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (51):

Read It (20)
Want To Read (24)
Not Interested (7)

1 comment(s)

gzynel160

Incredible

4 months

I wasn’t sure how I’d like the narrative device but it faded away and really added something unique to the novel. I loved the whole of this story.

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Aurora

Kim Stanley Robinson