I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente Published by Saga Press on April 10 2018
Genres: Adult, Science fiction
Pages: 352
Format: Finished hardcover
Source: Publisher
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The nitty-gritty: Big on atmosphere but lean on plot, Space Opera is a colorful, musical, over-the-top love song to music and musicians everywhere
Except that the Voorpret turned out to be really rather good at the whole civilization thing. Yes, yes, they obliterated the natural biodiversity of any region they touched, but wherever their infection took hold, they opened a lot of delightful bistros and shops and start-up tech companies with whimsically casual workplace environments and fusion food trucks and artisanal blacksmithing co-ops and performance-art spaces.
A few years ago I read and loved Valente’s Radiance, and my experience reading Space Opera felt like a flash-back in many ways. I experienced some of the same frustrations with both books, which I can now recognize is an issue I will probably always have with the author’s style. To say that this book is over-blown in more ways than one would not be an exaggeration. From Valente’s wordy, adjective-filled writing style to her outlandish ideas about alien life forms, Space Opera assaults the senses and breathes into existence several universes full of space oddities (and yes, that is a pertinent David Bowie reference!) I was both in awe of and frustrated by this book, which leaves me feeling torn about my rating. There were so many elements that I loved about the story, but unfortunately it was missing one big thing that I just can’t forgive: a cohesive plot that made me want to keep reading. In fact, the plot can easily be summed up in just a couple of sentences:
Former rock star Decibel “Dess” Jones (formerly of Decibel Jones and the Absolute Zeros) is recruited by a race of aliens (visiting Earth for the first time) to participate in an intergalactic singing contest. Pitted against every known sentient species in the galaxy, the dead last loser of the competition faces the complete annihilation of their race.
What Valente does really well is atmospheric world-building. Her words are magical, and I suspect she might be part alien herself, because normal human beings just don’t write like this. She sets out to create a particular mood in this story—boisterous, music-filled and nostalgic with an underlying tone of violence. The Metagalactic Grand Prix is based on her fervent love of Europe’s Eurovision, something I had never heard of before I picked up this book (for North American readers, I believe it’s similar to American Idol or The Voice, but probably on a larger scale), and that love really comes through in her descriptions of what music in other universes might sound like. The alien who first makes contact with humans—simultaneously with each one by way of mental projection—is a blue flamingo-like creature called an Esca that somehow reminds Dess of the Looney Tunes Road Runner, with complete disdain for the humans’ chances of winning the contest:
You know how, when a baby’s crying and wailing, you put it on your shoulder and pat its back—pat, pat-a-pat-pat? And it sicks up some milk and spit and tummy juices all over Mumsy’s nice jumper and then looks just TERRIFICALLY pleased with itself? THAT’S what human music is like! Compared to the rest of the galaxy, of course; I’m sure it’s just fine for you.
Valente goes into great detail describing the glam-rock look that Dess is known for, from his Alexander McQueen bodysuit to his glittery eye make-up. She lovingly describes the various aliens in her world, from their color, texture and size down to the particular way they create music. The story is awash in paragraph after paragraph of this sort of imagery, and while that goes a long way in creating her unique vision, it does get old after a while. And it pains me to say that, because I really do love Valente’s writing. But I spent a lot of time skimming Space Opera, something I never do, and even then I don’t feel as if I really missed anything. Beautiful writing aside, there just wasn’t enough plot for me to rate this book any higher.
But let’s talk about what did work for me. There’s a fair bit of social commentary going on, but it’s timely and important and I didn’t mind the strong message at all, which is that we humans, in general, are fucking up the planet in a big way. We’re destroying our natural resources, we’re killing each other, and really, is there any reason to keep us around at all? That’s the big question put forth by the Esca, and the reason Decibel Jones finds himself, along with ex-bandmate Oort St. Ultraviolet, literally singing for his life—and the lives of all his fellow humans.
Valente also focuses her laser spotlight on the human condition, since we’re talking about the value of our species. And her observations are extremely poignant at times. At one point, Decibel is criticized for his lack of natural armor, as if he were a shark or porcupine or even a cactus. Decibel’s reply? “We wear our thorns on the inside.” (Cue goosebumps.)
Despite the lack of story, the author does give us a bit of history about the “good old days,” when Decibel Jones and the Absolute Zeroes were popular. They also had a third member, the beautiful and sweet Mira Wonderful Star, who is dead when the Space Opera begins. Her absence is keenly felt throughout the story (I won’t go into details, but it’s tragic), and Decibel’s memories of Mira flit in and out, so it was almost as if she were right there with him. He also has a soft spot for his grandmother and those memories kept resurfacing in the most poignant ways. Valente also touches on Oort’s despair at having to leave his wife and children in order to perform, and even though his domestic life isn’t perfect, you can tell all he wants to do is go home. All these emotional moments added a wonderful layer to the story which didn’t surprise me, since Valente has a way of infusing her stories with emotion.
And my favorite character has to be Oort’s Maine Coon Capo, who somehow manages to be transported to the host planet for the Grand Pix and emerges from the portal being able to talk. I’m sincerely grateful to Ms. Valente for including a talking animal in this story, even though Capo’s role is very small. The author broke my heart in her notes at the end of the book when she talked about the cat that inspired him.
Fans of Valente will most likely love this book, at least parts of it. And surprise! Space Opera has been optioned for film by Universal, and it’s going to be a musical (for any fans of La La Land out there, this is great news)! I’m totally on board with this and I’m so curious to see what the Hollywood folks will do with such fertile story material. And who knows, this might be one case where the movie is better than the book:-D
Big thanks to the publisher and Wunderkind PR for supplying a review copy.
I am utterly and completely entranced by this plot and the promise of such excellent worldbuilding, but your warnings will be at the back of my mind. I’m just so curious!
You should try it, Verushka, you never know! In any case, if you haven’t read Valente it’s worth trying something of hers out:-)
So as a science fiction newbie, this one might appeal to me because of its strangeness. Although it’s gonna be hard to top my last strange read. I love books with awesome world building so that sounds like it may be the saving grace on this one. Great review. Sorry it didn’t work out better. I’ve read the first Fairyland book by this author…while the electric was out and a derecho hit – so I remember that more than the story. Sounds like she may have just been missing Bowie.
Ha ha, I think she was missing Bowie:-) You might enjoy this, her imagination is really unusual and I love reading her books just to see what crazy things she comes up with!
I *totally* get what you mean about being torn over this one! About a third of the way through I was depressed because it felt like it was going no where and where is the song contest I was promised??? And then at the end I realized that the *plot* wasn’t really the point and it ended on such a high note for me that I couldn’t help but love it. Still, it’s a little bit of a mess of a book that you can totally fall in love with just for the sentiments expressed in it. At least that was my experience. 😀
You are right, I hadn’t thought about it that way. The song contest really isn’t the point at all! But she does have a way of wringing emotions out of you, so I guess that’s why I always try to read everything she writes.
An alien who looks like Road Runner is something I don’t want to miss for all the tea in China! 🙂
Never having read Valente (yet) I am however aware, from other reviews, that her writing is quite unusual, so I guess it will be something of a challenge – but what would life be without a challenge now and then?
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Maddalena@spaceandsorcery recently posted…Review: BENEATH THE SUGAR SKY (Wayward Children #3), by Seanan McGuire
Agreed! All of our reading shouldn’t be easy, and seriously, I do love her writing. It’s a treat as long as you go in expecting the plot to be a little thin.
That’s a bummer that the book seems to have so little going on in terms of plot. It sounds so good, but I think the lack of plot would probably bother me in the end. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this book.
Yeah, it’s hard to get around the lack of plot for a lot of readers. I hate that plot is so important but sometimes it is:-)
I have pretty much the exact same thoughts about Space Opera as you! I love Valente’s writing and it’s so classic Valente, but the descriptions and details and whatnot did become a bit… overmuch, at times. I still love it for her worldbuilding and story and writing, but I agree with everything you’ve said. I’m incredible excited for the film for this one because I feel like it could be so magical! Great review!
Yes, the movie will rock, I think! If it’s done right, and the fact that the guy who did La La Land is involved gives it a good shot:-)
Wow, this does sound kinda over the top but pretty enjoyable too! I don’t know if it would be for me but I’m tempted now to give it a shot. And I do like the sound of the social commentary, actually.
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I honestly think if you’re on the fence, wait for the movie. I’m actually very excited for it!
I think most of the reviews I’ve seen fall into two categories: “This makes no sense and has gratuitous purple prose and I love it” and “This makes no sense and has gratuitous purple prose and it wasn’t my cup of tea.” 😀 I’m not a huge a fan of books that have nonsensical plots but I’m very curious about the over-the-top aspect, so I shall still check it out. 😀
Ha ha I think you nailed it! Valente has a very distinct writing style that I love, but I think I need it in small doses:-)
Totally agree with your review. It was a fun story, but pretty thin, considering how much of the narrative was filled with rambling tangents and asides. They were entertaining to read too, but yes, you could totally skim them and not miss much 😀
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum recently posted…Book Review: Providence by Caroline Kepnes
But I do think it will make a fun movie. I can see it being way over the top, but as a musical, it might work!
The whole overblown, outlandish aspect does sound fun! Btw I didn’t know what Eurovision was either until this year when people kept talking about it on Twitter and I finally looked it up and watched some videos on YouTube lol. But yeah, when a book has so little plot that I can skip over whole sections without missing anything, I usually get frustrated too. Still, sounds like there were a lot of good things about the book, and I’m sure it’ll be great for some people!
Yes, a lot of good things for sure. It’s tough when you both enjoy and don’t enjoy the same book!
I agree completely! I’m bummed to hear the same frustrations are in Radiance. I’ve only read some of her Fairyland books which I loved. I thought there was a much better balance between plot and her imagination in Fairyland so I thought maybe she just got carried away with this one. I do love her imagination, though!
I actually liked Radiance better, there was definitely more of a plot. So I definitely recommend it if you get the chance to read it.
As a HUGE FAN of atmosphere and worldbuilding, especially in science fiction, this sounds like such a good read. I do think the lack of a cohesive plot will drive me a little batty but it sounds like a worthy read. Great review!
She’s definitely a writer to check out, she doesn’t work for everyone but she’s VERY talented.
Oh no! I may have to bump this down my TBR a bit. I think I’ll be too frustrated to enjoy the other elements.
Well, it is a quick read, but you definitely need some patience:-)
I loved the fairyland books but didn’t think this would be for me – and still think that’s the right decision having read your review. Ta very much.
Lynn 😀
I need to try the Fairyland books one of these days.
She is certainly an author that has her own unique writing style. Unfortunately, it be one that does not work for me at all. I can see some of the beauty in it but I without plot it fails me. Lovely review of this. Good to know I made a good choice not to try her work again. I tried three times. Done. She walks the plank!
x The Captain
Ha ha, I love it:-) I can’t help but keep reading her because she’s really surprised me in the past. I’d love to know the three books of her you’ve read…??
I abandoned all three of them but: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, Radiance, and The Labyrinth.
x The Captain
Ah… I have read one of her books and was both beguiled and slightly frustrated at the way she handled the plotting. But you’re right – she writes like an angel at times… I do require more of a plot, though – so I’m sliding this one further down. Thank you for an excellent, fair minded review, Tammy:)
It really does sound like it is a full frontal assault on all senses. Despite the interesting ideas being explored in the most extravagant way possible, I’m not convinced I’ll be completely enthralled by it all. Great review, Tammy!