The Purpose

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

Pages: 151 Genre: sci-fi, literary fiction

Rating: 4 Star

Kindle Notes & Highlights

Centuries ago, in the land of Panga, robots gained consciousness and disappeared into the wilderness, never to be seen again. Now, Sibling Dex, a traveling tea monk, is interrupted in the forest by a robot who was sent to check on humanity. It wants to know what humans need, but Dex doesn't know how to answer this. Dex isn't even really sure what they want, but they do have one goal: get deeper into the wilderness.

This was a really charming story. It's another story that reminds me of something you'd read in an English class — a little out there and largely contemplative, but full of heart.

Dex was a really good main character, and I enjoyed how their dilemma was portrayed. I think the feelings they struggle with are very relatable to the average person, but it was interesting to see it built into what it otherwise seen as a sort of utopia. Seeing them develop alongside the robot was sweet, and it was an interesting way to characterize the uncertainty that people are so familiar with.

The world was interesting, too. While a lot of the "lore" happens in the background, it does provide a really interesting backdrop to the story. And the descriptions of nature were stunning. The author does a beautiful job of making the setting a character in and of itself — a detail that really makes a difference when there are only two actual characters.

If you're looking for a book full of action and adventure, this won't be the one for you. But it's not pretending to be, either. It's a lovely exploration of humanity, purpose, and connection.