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.
Calypso by Oliver K. Langmead Published by Titan Books on April 2 2024
Genres: Adult, Science fiction
Pages: 224
Format: Finished hardcover
Source: Publisher
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The nitty-gritty: Unusual formatting, a captivating story and distinct character voices make Calypso a unique treat for sci-fi fans who are looking for something different.
Novels in verse require an extra level of attention from the reader, but they can be so rewarding if the author knows what they are doing. Case in point, Oliver K. Langmead has the skills to pull it off (and he’s done it in the past with Dark Star), and so I wasn’t surprised that Calypso turned out to be a unique and memorable reading experience. Much like reading Shakespeare, it takes a little effort to pull the story out of the verse format, but once the plot of Calypso emerged, I was completely sucked in. I will mention, though, that it’s better to pick up a copy of the finished hardcover, since I started reading a digital version and struggled a little until I switched over. Bonus, the hardcover is simply gorgeous (with full color end papers) and worth every penny.
The story follows Rochelle, an engineer who has been chosen as part of the crew of the Calypso, a generation ship headed to a distant planet. The mastermind behind the Calypso is Arthur Sigmund, who has traveled all over the galaxy and has seen first hand that no matter how many times we try to start over—colonizing Mars or the Moon or Venus—humanity’s problems inevitably follow us wherever we go. Calypso’s goal is to start fresh: seed a new planet from scratch and populate it with humans grown in vats, cryo-frozen on the ship for centuries until the planet is ready for them to emerge. The engineers and other crew members will facilitate this ambitious plan, each with their own important job to do.
But when Rochelle finally awakens from her own cryo-sleep, centuries after leaving Earth, the ship is in shambles. Most of the engineers have disappeared except for a few: a bioengineer named Catherine and Sigmund. Sigmund tells Rochelle that a “schism” has occurred while they were sleeping, and a rebel group has split off from the crew. Despite this, those left still have an important job to do, as they have come so far and sacrificed so much.
The plot is fairly straightforward, but what really gives the story depth are the flashbacks, where we learn more about the characters and why they decided to leave their lives behind. Rochelle’s story is particularly emotional, because she left her two young children, Benson and Ciara, in order to take the job of a lifetime. Now, I don’t get it either. I’m a mother and I would never in a million years leave my children to go on a one way trip to another planet. But if Rochelle hadn’t left, the story wouldn’t have the same emotional impact. In the first chapter, we see her say goodbye for the last time, and folks, I was in tears. Later after she wakes up, she muses on what her children’s lives might have been like. Because yes, centuries have passed and they—and their children and grandchildren—are dead. Eventually Sigmund gives Rochelle a precious gift relating to her children, and I cried all over again.
In addition to Rochelle’s chapters, we get narratives from Catherine, Sigmund and a man called the herald. Catherine is a fascinating character. She’s not quite human (and you’ll understand when you read about her adventure), and her purpose is to seed the new planet and create a flourishing world full of trees, flowers, rivers and animals. Her chapters are quite different, not only in tone (more fantasy than science fiction), but in the way the pages are formatted. Her story is a strange one for sure, but also very beautiful.
Then we have the herald, who was caught up in the revolt on board the Calypso and has an epic story to tell. Later, he tells that story to Rochelle, who is still very much in the dark at this point, having slept though all the excitement. The herald’s chapter/tale reads like epic fantasy, full of bloody battles and dramatic action, and I’ll admit I found it thrilling. We learn what happened to the rebels, and I loved the idea that so much went on while the engineers slept.
Sigmund makes a shocking decision at the end of the story, although it was his plan all along. I found the last chapter to be surprising and emotional and perhaps a bit over the top, but who cares, it worked for me. The last few pages were pure magic, as Rochelle finally seems to have come to terms with her past decisions. Thoughtful, poignant and stirring, Calypso is a book you need to experience.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
I haven’t read too many books in verse but the ones I have read I always really enjoyed. One of my favorite books of all time is a novel in verse actually (Blood Water Paint by Joy McCullough). So that alone, knowing that Calypso is a novel in verse would be enough for me to pick it up and read. And beyond that, the story itself and plot sounds to be incredible as well. I paused writing this comment to go check it out on Amazon and I saw it isn’t very expensive… so I may go buy it now. 😀
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Review: Red Kingdom by Rachel L. Demeter
I love that you’ve enjoyed novels in verse before, most people haven’t!
This story sounds very intriguing but at the same time daunting: I’m not sure how the narrative format would work for me, particularly considering that English is not my primary language, but still I’m very curious. I will have to see if there are some online samples (Amazon usually does that) to test my ability to follow the story in this unusual presentation…
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Maddalena@spaceandsorcery recently posted…CALAMITY (Uncharted Hearts #1), by Constance Fay
Reading an online sample is a very good idea:-)
I am glad to see that you enjoyed this one so much! It didn’t work for me, for a lot of different reasons, but I am glad to see that it worked for you!
I loved reading your honest review, Susy:-)
Sounds really different and interesting! I’ve had mixed experiences with books written in verse, so I’d approach this one with caution… but may check to see if my library has it available. Great review!
You definitely need a talented writer to pull it off!
That cover is gorgeous. I don’t know if I would like the verse or not, but it sounds too sad.
Parts are very sad…
A scifi novel in verse? awesome!
Emma @ Words And Peace recently posted…Spell the month in books: April 2024
It was, such a unique book:-)
I don’ think I’ve ever read a whole novel in verse before so I’m a little bit intrigued but not sure how well I’d get on with it. Glad you enjoyed 😀
It’s not something I want to do all the time but once in a while, a verse novel can be a great experience:-)
That cover is absolutely stunning – I simply don’t have the mental bandwidth to read a novel in verse atm – but when I do, this is one I’ll made a note of, thanks to your lovely review, Tammy.
It definitely takes some effort:-) Thanks Sarah!
It’s interesting you mention preferring the paper to ebook version. I’ve done the same with books of poetry. Formatting can be such an integral part of the work and the auto-formatting of ebooks can affect that. I’m not sure if I’ve ever read a more modern tale told in verse. It’s certainly piqued my curiosity.
Ebooks are great but not for every format. And a lot of it depends on how well it’s formatted.
Not one for me, sci fi and verse. But happy to see you loved this and great cover.
Lynn 😀
It’s not for everyone, but he’s a favorite author so I must read everything he writes:-)
A sci-fi novel in verse. I think that’s the first I’ve heard of a book like that. Not for me though, because of the verse part.