I picked up this book after seeing it on Bookstagram. By the time I got it at the library I forgot why I wanted to read it and almost did not pick it up. Thankfully I did.

An Unkindness of Ghosts is amazing adult science fiction. It is about a generational ship that is on a voyage to a habitual planet. Pretty classic science fiction plot - which is what I have been craving lately.

But it is also an amazing novel that delves into race, classism, gender identity, sexuality, feminism, and ability (both physical and mental). All while having amazing writing and vivid complex characters.

The main character, Aster, is non-binary female with autistic like traits. She spoke late, has difficulty with communication, does not understand social interactions, and is a genius. Her mother died shortly after giving birth and left Aster alone where she was sent to a lower deck to be a farmhand and ends up becoming an assistant to the Surgeon.

Theo, The Surgeon, is a non-binary (gender fluid) male and is the son of the ship leader and a low level worker. Being born light enough to “pass” as white Theo is raised with the elite of the ship, but never belonging. It helps that he is also super smart and made some amazing discoveries as a young teen. He developed Polo as a result and his body was permanently impacted.

The novel is ultimately driven by Aster’s desire to connect and understand the reason for her mother’s death. It takes interesting turns, but the main appeal is character and world building that makes this a masterful science fiction novel. One that I will be permanently adding to my library.