It’s unusual to find a negative take on the idea of generation starships. Most authors like the idea; Robinson isn’t one of them, and indeed makes a strong argument that the whole notion of planetary colonisation is flawed. It’s argued so well that’s it’s hard to refute.

The book is excellently written as well as being closely argued: good characters and social interactions, and a sensible and believable plot. My only criticism would be that it’s one chapter too long: the final beach scene doesn’t add anything, in my opinion, and I’m hard-pushed to understand why it’s there at all.

4/5. Finished Wednesday 29 July, 2020.

(Originally published on Goodreads.)