2023 re read: I found this immediately captivating, this time around, and I think appreciate the bubble crafted, far more. I think it very neatly shows off social constructs, humanities ability to adapt, and what parts of our world we internalize and perpetuate, even in absurd circumstances. All while being very empathetic toward a cast of people moving toward a rude intrusion of outside forces.

It took a while for this book to click with me. I had it in mind that it would be a weird thriller, or something. But I’m not sure what I’d describe it as. Thematically it is perfect. The character work is top notch. It’s poignant and sad and a reflection of societal problems that brilliantly reflect the reason for the event to even happen in the first place. You see it coming and you’re still shot right through at the end. Brilliant stuff.