A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers will be featured on the Radio 2 Book Club on Monday 31 October.
The book was selected with help from a panel of library staff from across the UK.
A Closed and Common Orbit
Lovelace was once merely a ship’s artificial intelligence. When she wakes up in an new body, following a total system shut-down and reboot, she has to start over in a synthetic body, in a world where her kind are illegal. She’s never felt so alone.
But she’s not alone, not really. Pepper, one of the engineers who risked life and limb to reinstall Lovelace, is determined to help her adjust to her new world. Because Pepper knows a thing or two about starting over.
Together, Pepper and Lovey will discover that, huge as the galaxy may be, it’s anything but empty.
Selection panel review
Our library reading panel loved A Closed and Common Orbit – here are some of their comments:
“This book was an absolute delight to read and I fell in love with the two main characters, Lovelace and Pepper. This is the second book in the Wayfarers series but works totally as a standalone as the events from the first book aren’t even mentioned and the book very much focuses on the friendship between Lovelace and Pepper whilst also looking at Pepper’s backstory. Whilst this book is sci-fi and set in space there are no big space battles or warring aliens, with the plot driven by Becky Chambers excellent world building and her wonderful ability as a storyteller. Chambers creates a world I would happily live in and characters that I’d happily have as friends. I felt totally uplifted by this book; it has a real feel good plot that I think will appeal to all. I can’t wait to read more by Becky Chambers.”
“Interesting sci-fi novel exploring the interaction between humans, AI and interspecies relationships. The novel explores the human right to life, survival at all costs and the interconnectedness of all ‘species’. The strength and endurance of individuals in harsh conditions and the uses of technology to ensure survival. It follows the course of developing and sustaining nurturing relationships among a wide variety of different individuals. Very relevant in today’s society.”
About the author
Becky Chambers was raised in California as the progeny of an astrobiology educator, an aerospace engineer, and an Apolloera rocket scientist. An inevitable space enthusiast, she made the obvious choice of studying performing arts. After a few years in theatre administration, she shifted her focus toward writing. Her creative work has appeared at The Mary Sue, Tor.com, Five Out Of Ten and The Toast.
Get involved
Tune in to Simon Mayo’s Drivetime show on Monday 31 October to hear a live interview with Becky Chambers talking about her book.
Have you read A Closed and Common Orbit or The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet? You can share your thoughts with us on Twitter or follow author Becky Chambers. You can take a look at what other readers thought, or leave your own review.
Want to find out more? Take a look at the Radio 2 Book Club Twitter feed or find out more on the Radio 2 Book Club website.
