It’s time for another two-fer post — a quick wrap-up of two recent reads. In this case, I borrowed two novellas from the library this week, and while they’re quite different, I definitely enjoyed them both.
The Deal of a Lifetime by Fredrik Backman: Definitely not as Christmas-y as you might think from looking at the cover. This is a sweet (veering close to the edge of overly sentimental) tale of a man having to assess what makes a life valuable, and what it means to trade a life for a life. The prose is clear and simply stated, and there are illustrations throughout that emphasize the loveliness of the small moments that make a life. This is a quick read, and the little hardcover I borrowed from the library would make a really nice gift for fans of the author.
Length: 65 pages
Published: 2017
Rating:
Sisters of the Vast Black by Lina Rather: This science fiction novella is set on board a living ship, the space-voyaging convent Our Lady of Impossible Constellations. The nuns on the ship travel to the outer reaches of the four systems, ministering to the sick and performing rites and rituals, largely independent of government and church politics. I was fascinated by the concept of the ship as a living creature — this novella would be worth reading just for the descriptions of the ship’s biology! The lives of the sisters hold more secrets than is immediately apparent, and their interactions with one isolated colony planet thrust them into the middle of an interstellar power play that is likely to result in devastation.
I really enjoyed the plot of Sisters of the Vast Black. I think I would have liked it even more as a full-length novel. Events seem somewhat rushed in this shorter form, and likewise, I would have preferred a little more time to get to know the characters as individuals. Still, despite these minor quibbles, I heartily recommend this sci-fi adventure. Nuns in space!! Really, what more do you need to know?
Length: 176
Published: 2019
Rating:
Two quick 4-star reads for the end-of-the-year rush! Check ’em out.
Bookshelf Fantasies 
Glad you enjoyed Sister of the Vast Black! I would love to read a sequel, I hope the author writes more in this world.
I would definitely read a sequel too!
What a great idea to read a couple novellas during this busy time of the year! I wondered what The Deal of a Lifetime was about and, while I haven’t heard of the Sisters book, I do admit it sounds interesting!
I actually borrowed these two plus two more from the library, although the other two haven’t really caught my attention just yet, so I may dive back into full-length novels again. But yes, it made for a nice break this week to read works that I could complete pretty quickly!