I don't really get the attraction. It doesn't work particularly well as science fiction, since the SF aspects (settlers, alien planets, aliens, and so on) are so obviously unrealistic and metaphorical, not intended to hold together as literal things and events.

I suppose it's a well-done presentation of some emotions, but it's not a set of emotions that touched me, or made any sense to me (either emotionally or rationally) all told. Everyone is sad, everyone is stressed, no one ever finishes a sentence, or actually communicates anything to anyone else, or seems to come to any understanding of anything.

The protagonist's sorrow and anger at the loss of her mother can't help but be touching, and the parallels to other losses and alonenesses and angers in the following events are well-enough crafted. But I didn't get any particular insight into anyone or anything. There's a vague hint of future redemption in the last paragraph, but it feels bolted on and unconvincing, as though the author had looked at his watch and decided it was time for a quick pseudo-closure.

This one is probably going to the book exchange shelves at work, in search of someone who will appreciate it more...