Love. This. Book.

I'll admit if you don't love the humour of Douglas Adams, this book isn't for you. Space Opera pulls a lot of obvious inspiration from the Hitchhiker's Guide series, but the story comes together into a much more satisfying whole than any of Adams' works do. I am a life long Adams fan but I have to say dodges flying tomatoes I love what Valente does with comedic sci-fi even more than Adams. I love everything Adams but even I have to admit he's pretty lacking on the plot and/or theme front.

Catherynne Valente brings that beautiful sense of humour into a plot that makes sense and coheres into a sensible whole. When I realised what the part titles were referring to I actually squeeled with joy.

This novel brings together tropes and philosophy in a way I didn't think possible. I am so in love. If Freddie Mercury, glam rock, aliens, genderqueering, Eurovision, Douglas Adams, epic sci-fi, David Bowie, and/or psychadelic dance ballads are your jam, this book is for you.