Review: Perhaps the Stars

Perhaps the Stars is the stunning, thought-provoking conclusion to Ada Palmer’s Terra Ignota series. It’s a masterclass in political intrigue, personal stakes, and philosophical depth, all set in a world that feels incredibly real despite its futuristic setting. The themes of power, ambition, and the structure of society resonate throughout the book, and Palmer’s sharp prose ensures that the complex ideas remain accessible and deeply engaging.

The book opens with a sense of urgency, as we return to the fractured world where leaders, rebels, and citizens alike struggle with their place in a changing universe. But what truly makes Perhaps the Stars stand out is how it bridges personal sacrifice with grand political gestures. The characters are struggling with their own desires, yet the weight of history and the future presses down on them with force. It’s not just about what’s happening in the moment but about how individuals grapple with time, legacy, and the changing tides of power.

“Every day you step into my life, you make it brighter, and if you left the world, something in me would starve for you forever, as when some barrier rises to shade a plant, which still has light enough to grow some but will never again taste the unbroken sun.” (Page 432)

This quote perfectly captures the bittersweet nature of relationships in the book. These characters, so caught up in their political and personal battles, find moments of true emotional clarity that remind us of the importance of connection.

Palmer's exploration of gender and identity is also a key feature of the series. There’s a refreshing fluidity to her world’s treatment of gender that feels ahead of its time, reflecting a society that begins to break free of the binaries that have long defined it.

“Parts of the Twenty-First Century were like a little golden age for gender, people starting to mix and match and choose and question and make all kinds of new things with it.” (Page 211)

This observation, subtly woven into the narrative, gives the book an extra layer of relevance, as it mirrors current cultural conversations around identity and personal expression. The characters' fluid relationship with gender and self is as groundbreaking as the political systems they are trying to reform.

In a more philosophical vein, Palmer asks larger questions about humanity’s place in the universe and the meaning of history.

“Not the technical today that cold calendars count, but the shared today that text creates, the now when Martin wrote his words and the now in which we read them married across time’s diaspora.” (Page 321)

This quote speaks to the intersection of time and experience. It reflects Palmer’s unique ability to tie deeply personal stories to the sprawling narrative of societal change, forcing us to consider not Percy and Kincaid levels of irony in this book are off the charts.

The novel's climax is nothing short of awe-inspiring, wrapping up the tangled threads of politics, philosophy, and emotion in a way that feels earned. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, but it’s the kind of ending that gives closure while leaving you thinking about its implications long after you’ve turned the last page.

Final Thoughts:

Perhaps the Stars is an intellectual and emotional triumph. It’s a brilliant culmination of the series’ exploration of societal structures, personal agency, and human connection. Ada Palmer takes us on a journey through time, politics, and identity, wrapping it all up with a satisfying, emotional finale that will stay with you for a long time.