The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet – A Journey Worth Taking
Welcome back to SciFi Books! Today, we’re diving into one of the most beloved spacefaring stories in recent science-fiction literature: Becky Chambers’ The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet. This character-driven, deeply imaginative novel was originally self-published in 2014 before being picked up by Hodder & Stoughton. It has since earned its place as a standout in the subgenre of optimistic, character-rich, and inclusive sci-fi.
The Story
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet follows the multi-species crew aboard the Wayfarer, a tunneling ship that builds wormholes for faster-than-light travel. When the ship is offered a major contract to travel to a distant, volatile region of the galaxy and construct a new wormhole tunnel, the crew embarks on a journey that’s both physically and emotionally transformative.
At the heart of the narrative is Rosemary Harper, a human cleric with a mysterious past, looking to escape her planet-bound life. She’s joined by Captain Ashby Santoso, algaeist and cook Dr. Chef, tech duo Kizzy and Jenks, introverted navigator Sissix (a member of the reptilian Aandrisk race), and others like the AI Lovelace and the grumpy but endearing Ohan. While the mission’s premise may sound action-packed, the real treasure lies in exploring the interspecies relationships, personal dilemmas, ethical questions, and the value of empathy and identity across cultures and technologies.
Think of it as a mix between Firefly and Star Trek: The Next Generation, blending light adventure with profound interpersonal themes that turn the ship into more than a setting—into a character itself.
About the Author: Becky Chambers
Becky Chambers is an American science fiction author known for her humanistic, character-centered storytelling. Before becoming a full-time author, Chambers worked as a freelance writer and theater technician, including writing for science-based publications and fiction projects. Her deep appreciation for speculative storytelling and marginal narratives grew from a childhood steeped in science fiction—her mother was an astrobiology educator and her father, an aerospace engineer.
Chambers’ works, including the Wayfarers series, have received multiple accolades, such as the Hugo Award for Best Series in 2019. She’s applauded for breaking stereotypes in science fiction, particularly by focusing less on battles and wars and more on diplomacy, personal growth, inclusion, and hope. Other books in her bibliography include A Closed and Common Orbit, Record of a Spaceborn Few, and her more recent novella series Monk and Robot, starting with A Psalm for the Wild-Built.
Personal Reflections and Deep Dive
Reading The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet is like having a soul-nourishing meal—satisfying not for the intensity of flavor, but for its warmth, balance, and thoughtfulness. Becky Chambers redefines what can be expected from science fiction. Instead of wrangling alien invasions or explosive dogfights in space, she pins her narrative on empathy as the ultimate technology. That’s a deeply subversive and refreshing take in a genre often dominated by dystopian cynicism and action-driven plotlines.
The portrayal of interspecies culture is particularly expertly handled. Living in a pluralistic universe, the Wayfarer’s crew must confront and celebrate differences in religion, gender identity, communication, and social norms. Chambers doesn’t offer simple resolutions but pushes readers into reflective spaces about tolerance, adaptation, and coexistence. Characters like Sissix and Ohan are unforgettable, grounding philosophical debates within the lived experiences of believable, vividly crafted aliens.
Moreover, the handling of non-human intelligence—specifically Lovelace’s self-awareness and sense of personhood—echoes discussions in real-world AI ethics, adding immense thematic richness. I found myself repeatedly pausing to reflect, not because I was confused, but because the prose lent itself to introspection. Every small moment, be it sharing a meal or repairing circuitry, became a slice of the sublime.
This is a book that might not appeal to every sci-fi reader if one is seeking adrenaline at every chapter, but for those willing to appreciate slow-burn narratives, rich world-building, and genuine emotional portrayals, this may become a treasured favorite.
Happy reading, and I will see you in the next post!