Space Opera is a 2018 science fiction novel by Catherynne Valente, about a galactic version of the Eurovision Song Contest. It was first published by Saga Press.
In space everyone can hear you sing.
A century ago, the Sentience Wars tore the galaxy apart and nearly ended the entire concept of intelligent space-faring life. In the aftermath, a curious tradition was invented-something to cheer up everyone who was left and bring the shattered worlds together in the spirit of peace, unity, and understanding.
Once every cycle, the civilizations gather for the Metagalactic Grand Prix - part gladiatorial contest, part beauty pageant, part concert extravaganza, and part continuation of the wars of the past. Instead of competing in orbital combat, the powerful species that survived face off in a competition of song, dance, or whatever can be physically performed in an intergalactic talent show. The stakes are high for this new …
Space Opera is a 2018 science fiction novel by Catherynne Valente, about a galactic version of the Eurovision Song Contest. It was first published by Saga Press.
In space everyone can hear you sing.
A century ago, the Sentience Wars tore the galaxy apart and nearly ended the entire concept of intelligent space-faring life. In the aftermath, a curious tradition was invented-something to cheer up everyone who was left and bring the shattered worlds together in the spirit of peace, unity, and understanding.
Once every cycle, the civilizations gather for the Metagalactic Grand Prix - part gladiatorial contest, part beauty pageant, part concert extravaganza, and part continuation of the wars of the past. Instead of competing in orbital combat, the powerful species that survived face off in a competition of song, dance, or whatever can be physically performed in an intergalactic talent show. The stakes are high for this new game, and everyone is forced to compete.
This year, though, humankind has discovered the enormous universe. And while they expected to discover a grand drama of diplomacy, gunships, wormholes, and stoic councils of aliens, they have instead found glitter, lipstick and electric guitars. Mankind will not get to fight for its destiny - they must sing.
A one-hit-wonder band of human musicians, dancers and roadies from London - Decibel Jones and the Absolute Zeroes - have been chosen to represent Earth on the greatest stage in the galaxy. And the fate of their species lies in their ability to rock.
The first chapter of this book is perfect. Absolutely perfect. I finished the first chapter and then I went back to page 1 and read it again. The rest of the book is...not as perfect, but it is still a huge amount of fun. It is SPARKLY AND CHEERFUL, and I would like more of that please.
Sobre el papel, un libro sobre "universovisión", juntando Eurovisión y La guía del autoestopista galáctico en un solo libro, es bastante interesante. Lo que me he encontrado es un libro mitad worldbuilding extremo mitad historia entretenida de perdedores, pero que no destaca demasiado en ninguna de las dos partes.
Como cosas buenas, la mejor es la cantidad distinta de razas que aparecen, aunque sean solo mencionadas, y que van desde ramos de flores sentientes, a inteligencias artificiales pasando por pandas rojos hiperactivos que viajan en el tiempo.
Lo peor para mi del libro espero que tenga que ver con el idioma, y es que las descripciones se me han hecho particularmente difíciles de seguir, con muchísimo adjetivo y poca capacidad para mantener mi atención. Espero que sea solo cosa mía, y que en la traducción sea más soportable.
En resumen, el libro está bien, pero no es tan espectacular como …
Sobre el papel, un libro sobre "universovisión", juntando Eurovisión y La guía del autoestopista galáctico en un solo libro, es bastante interesante. Lo que me he encontrado es un libro mitad worldbuilding extremo mitad historia entretenida de perdedores, pero que no destaca demasiado en ninguna de las dos partes.
Como cosas buenas, la mejor es la cantidad distinta de razas que aparecen, aunque sean solo mencionadas, y que van desde ramos de flores sentientes, a inteligencias artificiales pasando por pandas rojos hiperactivos que viajan en el tiempo.
Lo peor para mi del libro espero que tenga que ver con el idioma, y es que las descripciones se me han hecho particularmente difíciles de seguir, con muchísimo adjetivo y poca capacidad para mantener mi atención. Espero que sea solo cosa mía, y que en la traducción sea más soportable.
En resumen, el libro está bien, pero no es tan espectacular como esperaba (no se por qué lo esperaba así).
3.5 stars
It's the lovechild of Eurovision and Douglas Adams raised by David Bowie. It's Valente drunk on glam and words and camp and more words and her own imagination. It's love and disco and aliens and Looney Tunes and cats (well, one cat). It's really fun.
A manic blend of glam rock, interstellar politics, humor, and heart. Delightful.
I seem to find no time to write this review. So in lieu of an actual one here‘s my twitter review:
„Just read the gleaming, glittery space-glam adventure called „Space Opera“ by @catvalente - if you like sentient rocks, flowers, and zombies, dig the threat of a fiery apocalypse & think that „Life is beautiful and life is stupid“ read! PS: time traveling red panda”
Bear in mind the title has to absolutely be taken literally. Don’t overlook the author’s fascination with the Eurovision song contest and the preponderance of world and character building over plot (which is still well-paced and with extremely high stakes for humanity).
I’d recommend this for fans of “Big Lebowski” or “Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas”. The weirdness is high for this one.
