Psalm for the Wild Built: 1 (Monk & Robot, 1): Becky Chambers (Monk & Robot): A Monk and Robot Book Hardcover – 23 Aug. 2021

Once again, Becky Chambers strikes gold with her wonderful and insightful science fiction novella, Psalm for the Wild-Built. The start of a new series, this book presents the reader with a philosophical and thoughtful tale of friendship and finding your purpose.A Psalm for the Wild-Built is a quiet and lovely story, continuing Chambers' streak as the queen of cosy science fiction. This book takes place on a world called Panga, a world that seems to have some similarities to our own, that is in a truly post-industrial age. We follow Sibling Dex as they take up a new vocation as a tea monk -- a member of their religious order who travels around the human settlements, bringing hot tea and a shoulder to lean on. However, Dex feels like there is something missing from their life, prompting the main themes of the book. What do humans need? How do they achieve it within their limited lifespan? How do we find happiness and satisfaction within our world?A major theme of the book is sustainability. Chambers uses the split of robots from humankind and the way people have adjusted their lives to be more sustainable as a launching point for her signature take on a better humankind. However, one of the reasons I love her writing so much is that she doesn't create utopian societies. Despite living in a seemingly wonderful and beautiful place, Dex feels out of place and unfulfilled. In this way, her worlds and her characters always feel so incredibly relatable.I really loved the use of tea and tea rituals to anchor us to this world and way of life. Tea, of course, has a long-standing culture of comfort and sharing and I loved the way that she wove this into the book. Dex is almost like your friendly neighbourhood bartender, always happy to provide you with the drink you need and a place to escape your problems for a little while. They take on the burdens of passers-by and provides a moment of peace, even if only for a short time. In fact, I would have happily read more about their journey across the countryside, serving up comfort to those who need it.The cast of this book is a small one -- we really only follow Mosscap and Dex. While Dex took me a moment to warm to, I immediately fell in love with the wandering robot Mosscap. I am a sucker for cheerful robots trying to understand the complexities of human nature, and Mosscap was no exception. Their chipper and upbeat nature, as well as their differing takes on Dex's questions and problems, was just wonderful. I did come to appreciate Dex and their somewhat bumbling and chaotic nature and really enjoyed watching their character grow as they interacted with Mosscap and faced their problems head-on. The friendship at the core of this book is just so lovely.A Psalm for the Wild-Built was a big hit for me. I really loved what Chambers was trying to do with this book and the ideas she presented, especially sustainability and satisfaction. Much like a hot cuppa after a stressful day, A Psalm for the Wild-Built wraps the reader in warmth and sense of calm, all while making you think.

Dex has grown tired with their life. They are desperate for change. Change leads to the edge of the human side of Panga, to the side where there are said to be robots. There, they meet Mosscap, a robot made from parts of the original robots who generations ago gained their freedom. Mosscap wants to know: what do humans need?Becky Chambers is one of my favourite authors. She writes science fiction that is speculative and exciting and cosy and warm. This book was no different.The world she imagined here was really wonderful. It was imaginative and bold and believable, and described through Dex's experiences so it felt like the reader was experiencing the world too.The book touches on loneliness, friendship and the power of nature. I loved how on the surface Dex and Mosscap were very different, yet fundamentally weren't. They complimented each other well. Their friendship was genuinely beautiful.This was a really optimistic, hopeful science fiction story. It was a quick read, but packed a lot of lore and ideas in, in a not-overwhelming way. I enjoyed this a lot, and am excited to see where Dex and Mosscap go next.

It's rare that I criticise a book for being too short as I usually see it as being a strength when a writer knows when to stop, but I really wanted this one to keep going for longer! Happily there is a sequel.The story is set on another world, where humans have a utopian society which is technologically advanced but in tune with nature. The viewpoint character, Sibling Dex, is a monk who runs a travelling teashop, providing a listening ear and chance to relax to the residents of outlying villages. After a sudden decision to shake up their life, Dex travels into the wild lands and meets an intelligent robot. Robots have lived separately from humans for centuries after they gained consciousness, but now one of them - Mosscap - is returning to check up on humanity and see how the species is managing without them.It's a simple story, as you'd expect from a novella, but a beautifully crafted one. I loved the optimistic tone and positivity of it, and it is full of profound and thought provoking moments without ever being dull, weighty or preachy. So much science fiction is apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic, it can be quite a depressing genre to read. This is the antidote to all those gloom laden visions.I'd recommend to anyone looking for a short novel, particularly if you enjoy science fiction, or are looking for something cheerful as a pick-me-up.