Book Review: Light From Uncommon Stars
Light From Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki is stunning. Truly. My #1 book of 2024 so far.
A BRIEF SUMMARY
This book gives us a compelling and diverse trio of protagonists: Shizuka Satomi, a violin prodigy entangled in a Faustian bargain with the devil; Katrina Nguyen, a young transgender runaway fleeing from a troubled past; and Lan Tran, a retired starship captain and interstellar refugee. When Katrina meets Shizuka in a park, she is at her lowest. The famous violin teacher offers to take her on as a student (without disclosing the price which comes with her instruction—Katrina’s very soul), and the two unexpectedly form a connection that changes them both. Lan helps Shizuka navigate not only her life, but her deal with the devil, even as she is trying to find a way to save everyone from a disease which threatens the survival of all beings in the known galaxies. Their lives come together in unexpected and beautiful ways, ultimately culminating in more than one life-or-death decision.
WHAT I LOVED
We are immediately immersed in the atmosphere of California's San Gabriel Valley, following a young trans girl as she seeks to create her own life. With a narrative that is equal parts whimsical and profound, Aoki has somehow managed to bring together the the absurdity of donut-making aliens and sentient holograms with profound themes and character work. Each character brings their own unique perspective and experiences to the story, and they’re all essential.
Aoki's ability as a writer is on full display as she explores themes of identity and redemption. Through her vivid and evocative prose, we are transported to a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, and where the extraordinary becomes ordinary. Aoki's world-building is nothing short of mesmerizing, and somewhere along the way we lose ourselves in the magic of her imagination. I had absolutely no problem believing in cursed violins, hologram daughters, purple aliens, or any of the other fantastical elements. They felt real.
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its portrayal of the transgender experience. I myself am non-binary/agender and I have a possibly trans kid, so I’m always interested to see how it’s brought to the page. Through Katrina's journey of self-discovery and acceptance, Aoki offers a sensitive and nuanced exploration of the challenges and triumphs faced by transgender individuals. The authenticity of Katrina's voice and the honesty of her struggles add an essential layer of depth which cannot be understated. I have to believe that anyone reading this book would feel connected with Katrina and experience deep empathy for her as a person, trans or not.
In addition to its thematic richness, Light from Uncommon Stars is also a celebration of the power of music. Aoki's descriptions of music are so vivid I could practically hear the melodies and feel the emotions behind each note. The music in this novel serves as a poignant metaphor for the characters' journeys, and worked really well to allow Aoki to deliver beautifully profound insights without it feeling over the top or like she was “preaching” these concepts at us.
But perhaps the greatest triumph of Light from Uncommon Stars lies in its ability to blend moments of profound insight with moments of genuine warmth and humor. Despite the weighty themes it tackles, the novel is infused with a sense of joy and wonder that is both infectious and uplifting. From the quirky charm of the Starrgate Donut aliens to the heartwarming bonds of found family between Katrina and Shizuka, Aoki's narrative is filled with moments of genuine delight that left me smiling long after I turned the final page. I cannot stop thinking about this book!
FINAL THOUGHTS
My most enthusiastic 5+/5 stars yet!
Basically, Light from Uncommon Stars is a literary masterpiece. It defies easy categorization yet feels achingly relatable. Equal parts science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary, it is a story that transcends genres and left a permanent impression on me. With its complicated characters, satisfying world-building, and thematic depth, it’s definitely a novel that demands to be savored and celebrated. Ryka Aoki's storytelling ability shines brightly, making Light from Uncommon Stars a must-read for fans of speculative fiction and literary fiction alike. Hell, I honestly think anyone and everyone should read it. I’d give it more than 5 stars if I could!
Whether you're drawn to tales of the seemingly absurd laced with personal redemption or stories with deep character development and relational exploration, this one has something to offer for everyone. So grab a copy, settle in, and prepare to be swept away on a journey unlike any other. You won't regret it.
Seriously, go get this book. Now.
Happy reading!
