After reading (with difficulty) The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, and being borderline disgusted at how badly the representation of its autistic main character was, but also at the comments I had found from the author in regards to their representation, I wanted to read a book with an autistic main, written by an autistic author, to see the difference it made.

I am so glad I did.
This book has just made its way into my lifetime favourites folder.

I have never read a sci-fi book that I truly related to or had such an emotional experience whilst reading.

I read so quickly. I had to force myself to slow down, and take breaks, in order to appreciate it fully, when all my brain wanted to do was to read and read and read because I needed to hear more.

In this one book, about an apocalypse, space travel, and a future world (although not too distant), I felt more included and understood, and greater connection than I ever had to any modern-set fiction I read.

I probably didn't pick the best time to read it... my anxiety definitely didn't need an end of the world scenario to fantasise over during a global pandemic. But I mean it's kept my heart rate up whilst I've been stuck at home so I can't complain too much.

Thank you, from a disabled trans man, for this book, and its natural, smooth, realistic representation of trans, queer, and neuro-divergent characters, in a setting other than our everyday struggle and 'bravery'.