Book Review – Record Of A Spaceborn Few

Record Of A Spaceborn Few by Becky Chambers (Hodder & Stoughton) ISBN: 9781473647602

Record of a Spaceborn Few is the third book in the Wayfarers series by Becky Chambers. All of the books are stand-alone novels that share the same universe.

In the Wayfarer universe, humans have fled Earth on a fleet of spaceships centuries ago. After humans were allowed into the Galactic Commons, Exodan ships were given alien technology and a star to orbit.

Some have continued to live on these Exodan ships, which are communal self-sustaining societies. Other humans live on planets in the Galactic Commons. There are many other species in this world.

Record of a Spaceborn Few is just that. A record of a few lives on these spaceships. This is not quick, plot-driven book. It is a mosaic of people who live together and whose lives intersect from time to time. We look at people like Isabel, who is an archivist, tasked with preserving history; Eyas, a caretaker, who deals with the dead; Kip, a teenager who wants to leave; and Sawyer, an adult born on another planet who returns to the fleet.

The novel tries to answer the question: What is the purpose of a ship that has reached its destination?

This is a thoughtful book looking at people trying to find meaning in their lives.

Amanda Patterson
3.5/5