A review by kristenelle
The Past Is Red by Catherynne M. Valente

challenging dark funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75



This was strange. At points, I was really unsure how I felt about it, but by the end I wanted more! The main character is a perpetually content person very a la Candide. The setting is a future Earth that is completely covered with ocean; the only human survivors live on floating garbage. 

When I was unsure about this story it was because: a) I disliked the cruelty. (It is kept light and comedic and background, but still.) b) I wish that some of the major events had been described a little more concretely. c) I don't think I buy the actual possibility of people surviving on floating garbage. 

But my loves outweigh those things! Loves: 
-the edgy, poetic prose
-the imagination and description of the world
-the philosophical presentation
-the main character
-the hopeful nihilism 

Sexual violence? Not that I recall. Other content warnings? Nihilism, torture, dysfunctional family, child neglect/abuse.
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