I related to this novel more than I thought I would based on my connection, or lack thereof, to the movie inspired by the first book in the Southern Reach trilogy. What I enjoyed most, and this may be highly specific to me and my current headspace, was the exploration of a life of a character whose internal world seeks the peace of solitude, of a place to think, while balancing a life desiring connection to those you care for most, to not lose them forever.

I enjoyed the biologist's introspection. I resonated deeply with her views on the environment and human connection. Perhaps what I enjoyed most was how she observed and processed the otherworldly strangeness she now found herself embedded into. Those looking for an action packed alien mystery, which the movie tried to steer towards, may find themselves turned off. But for me, the novel scratched an itch I think was put there in the first place by the not-quite-successful attempt to put this novel on the silver screen.

4.25 out of 5