A novella is often the perfect length for a story which really digs into a single, fairly self-contained idea, and that’s exactly what Becky Chambers’ A Psalm for the Wild-Built (her first Monk and Robot book) does. It’s the tale of Sibling Dex, a tea monk with a tendency for crises of purpose, who finds themself gradually coming to terms with their own thoughts and needs in the most unlikely of company. On an impromptu journey into the wilderness, Dex is stunned to come across Mosscap, a robot in search of answers to the question of what humans need. In the generations since robots suddenly and unexpectedly achieved consciousness and subsequently left mankind’s cities in favour of the wilderness, no human has even seen a robot, never mind talked to one…until now. And suffice to say, Dex does not feel overly prepared for the experience.
Everything in this novella, from the characters of Dex and Mosscap to the setting – the quiet moon of Panga, with its harmonious post-industrial villages – feels deliberately warm and calming. There’s no real external conflict to speak of, either in the setting or the narrative, just friendly – albeit thought-provoking – debate on all manner of subjects over the course of a gently winding journey. Dex and Mosscap couldn’t be much more different, but they’re perfectly matched to suit this story, which is all about the search for purpose and the draw of the wilderness, and the way that a road trip feels like an opportunity to gain a little clarity and get to know oneself better. It’s utterly heartwarming from start to finish, like a comforting cup of tea and a caring companion to talk to, and a reminder that life doesn’t require us to have everything worked out, or to know exactly what we want to do.
For those who love the constraints of a novella, and in particular anyone in need of a little peace, rest and reassurance, this is an absolute gem of a story. Even better, there’s at least one more book in this series to come, with A Prayer for the Crown-Shy due later in 2022.
Check out the links below to order* your copy of A Psalm for the Wild-Built:
*If you buy anything using one of these links, I will receive a small affiliate commission – see here for more details.
If you enjoyed this review and would like to support Track of Words, you can leave a tip on my Ko-Fi page.
