October 1, 2026
A Wall is Also a Road by Annalee Newitz
Gardenpath is a single cell person (an amoeba) just like all the other life forms in their planetary system. They are a graduate student in biology, and for their research project, they are hoping to discover something new on a quiet backwater planet that was long ago declared to be empty and barren. But when they arrive at the planet, they are shocked to find a thriving ecosystem and a large number of life forms, including one rather strange life form that appears to have language, culture, society, and connection.
Have you ever wondered what an alien would think of our world when they first landed here? Especially an alien who has a vastly different physical form. The main character Gardenpath is quite endearing, as is their human friend Murtis. The descriptions of Pompeii, its culture and society are fascinating and well-researched, especially what appear to Gardenpath to be some of the weirder customs and rituals. The ending is bittersweet, even though Gardenpath finds love, friendship, and meaningful work on their home planet: they know almost from the start that they will outlive the humans that they have come to love, and they experience the pain of watching their friends age each time they visit the alien planet that has become a second home. There is a lot of world-building about Gardenpath's home planet in Part 1, although if you have ever been in a competitive environment, many of the characters and situations will be familiar. Beautiful cover art. Readers who enjoy Martha Wells and Becky Chambers will enjoy Gardenpath's adventures among the Unnamed on Planet Earth.
Many thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an eARC for review.
Ruins of Pompeii
