20 works of upbeat science fiction to brighten your day

The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet (Cover image via Harper Voyager)

7. The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet

If Vonnegut’s strange and counterintuitive optimism isn’t for you, then you may want to go into a gentler world. The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, written by Becky Chambers, could be just the ticket.

It begins with Rosemary Clark, a woman fleeing her past into deep space. She poses as a file clerk with less-than-legitimate credentials. Luckily, the captain of the Wayfarer, a wormhole tunneling ship, doesn’t look too closely and hires her.

The crew is generally welcoming to Rosemary, a welcome respite from more suspicious crewmembers in other works. There are technicians Kizzy and Jenks, reptilian pilot Sissix, navigator Ohan, algae growing Corbin and Dr. Chef — who is, obviously, both a physician and cook. Ashby is the ship’s captain, while Lovey is a very cheerful artificial intelligence animating the ship itself.

Just as Rosemary joins, the Wayfarer gets a big break. The crew is set to open up a hyperspace fast track that will make or break their reputation. The year long trip necessary for the work is really a set up for the character-driven narrative. There’s enough plot to keep things moving, to be sure. However, Chambers’ real strength comes along in the joyful character work that brings the crew to life.

If you’re more focused on plot-driven science fiction, then The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet may be ever-so infuriating. However, the characters and world-building of the novel takes place on a grand scale. It’s a little bit like a family sitcom in space, where everyone grows closer together and learns that things like gender and species divides are silly divisive tactics. It’s tremendously fun and warm.