The Radiant Dark by Alexandra Oliva
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Okay. So. I suppose I'm just not the right audience for this SF. If, indeed, we can call it SF.

I mean, sure, there is the whole, ostensible first-contact scenario starting back in the 70's and we follow the slow communication cycle for the next 50 years, but I need to be honest. This is pretty much just a family drama novel. Mothers and daughters. Generational abuse, mental health, family stuff.

It's another general fiction novel with a handful of SF trappings. And let me be clear: the first third of the novel is just about a new mom with post-partum depression hating her life and missed chances and latching onto the big announcements while she grows bitter and destroys her relationships.

Yay.

Later on, it feels like a very drawn-out and worse version of Sagan's Contact. But longer. With less happening. But what I can I say? I LOVE my SF. If it wasn't quite pitched for the SF market, I probably would be less critical of it. But this is SF-lite-lite.

But what about the writing? Is it good? I'd say it's fine for the market it's aiming for. Unfortunately, it wasn't for me.

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