Star Splitter explores the concept of what makes us who we are. In this world, teleportation centers on the idea that people are more than the body anStar Splitter explores the concept of what makes us who we are. In this world, teleportation centers on the idea that people are more than the body and therefore, one’s “essence” or “data” can be put into another body, a 3D-printed version of your body, but a body that’s millions of miles away. Then the story gets to the nitty gritty philosophical questions about who we are. For example, if you teleport and your original body is destroyed in the process, are you still you? Are you just your DNA and memories, just simply data? Or does the body have a soul or something more ethereal than bits and bytes? And it’s something the MC struggles with.
The whole idea behind body transience was letting go. Letting go of your reference body. Letting go of the belief that you even were your body. Accepting the idea that you had never been more than a divot of data, nothing but a tiny, temporary impression in the quantum fabric of the universe. That was all necessary if you planned to step into a teleportation scanner.
There is also mentioned of an anti-teleportation group on Earth. It’s not explored and only mentioned in the context of Duncan’s backstory. At first I thought it might have been interesting to have that side explored a bit more. But after thinking about it more, I think it would’ve just been excess and really unnecessary because Kirby does such a great job of simply exploring the question of what makes us us.
The world building was solid, including the rules behind this form of teleportation. Kirby has created a set of limitations and rules on what can and can’t be done (the science) and what should be and shouldn’t be done (the ethics) regarding this form of space travel. And yet he does in in such a way that isn’t overly technical.
The character development, well, that’s complex and complicated. I can’t say much about it without giving away too much of the story. But he does an excellent job exploring who the characters are and their transition from one body that’s teleported and reprinted into another.
The story is told in a dual timeline—DS Theseus (before) and Hades (after). And the dual timeline is really well-done and adds so much to how the story unfolds.
Even though many consider this YA (because the protagonist is 17), I would not consider this a YA story. Mostly because when I read “YA,” it just makes me feel all of my my middle-aged years. Instead, having a 17-year-old as the MC works because 17-year-olds are still trying to figure out who they are and are more open to the possibilities with all the philosophical questions that are asked. But I never once felt “old” when reading this story. This is just SciFi at it’s best....more
This book does not present new information. But it presents the information in a well-organized and thought provoking manner. This is a book I can seeThis book does not present new information. But it presents the information in a well-organized and thought provoking manner. This is a book I can see myself returning to over and over, each time gaining different insight. ...more
I picked up this book for my #BackpackEurope reading challenge. I thought, based on the synopsis, it would be a fairly light read and that I could breI picked up this book for my #BackpackEurope reading challenge. I thought, based on the synopsis, it would be a fairly light read and that I could breeze through and therefore, get through France (as this was my second trip) as so to move onto Belguim
Boy, was I wrong.
This book isn't a quick, light read. In fact, it's exactly the opposite. Like Paris, this is a book you need to savor, to mull over, to appreciate. And so, it won't be for everyone.
I found the beautiful prose contrasts against the two bleak main characters who feel detached and apart from the world. The pace of the story might be considered by some to be slow. I felt it was a gradual unveiling of these two lost souls. The story intertwines thoughts on philosophy, art, music, literature, culture, with contemplations on the meaning of beauty, intelligence, and life. Some may find the literary and philosophical references to be pretentious. Some find the pace banal. But I found that to be the brilliance of the book. A book that makes you stop and think. To consider why life is worth living. To contemplate those around us.
This book was sweet, refreshing, and beautifully written. I highly recommend it.
I will admit that I was giving this book a solid 4-stars. It was only the last 50 or so pages that it achieved a 5-star rating. So overall, a solid 4.5-stars rounded up to 5....more
Amazing story. I understand why it won the Newberry Medal. I'm going to have to marinate on it awhile before writing a review. But definitely worth reAmazing story. I understand why it won the Newberry Medal. I'm going to have to marinate on it awhile before writing a review. But definitely worth reading....more