Book Review: Light From Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki

Light From Uncommon Skies
by Ryka Aoki (Aoki)

Light From Uncommon Skies is an uncommon blend of genres that includes both a demon trying to collect on a musician’s soul and a family of interstellar refugees running a doughnut shop. Mood-wise it ranges from dire abuse on the page to the warmest feelings of friendship.

 

The book has two main themes that have a common real-life connection of Asian American experience. First, it’s a book about music: violins and violin-making in particular. Katrina is a young, trans woman who has been surviving abuse and has little left beyond her violin. She finds a notorious teacher who has a Hellish agenda, but also shows her the most consideration she’s ever experienced. Second, it’s a book about war refugees finding their place in a new land. It’s just that these refugees have come from light-years away. The doughnut shop they run is inspired by the real life Cambodian American immigrant, Ted Ngoy, who worked for Winchell’s until he started his own chain of doughnut shops in Southern California, as discussed in Ryka Aoki’s post (https://www.themarysue.com/lessons-from-the-donut-king-and-science-fictions-golden-age/).

 

This is a story with great dynamic range from despair to hope, with artisan details on performance, lutherie, and a broader variety of cooking than the donuts. I wanted to be friends with everyone here…except the demon.

 

(If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers or American Gods by Neil Gaiman.)

 

( publisher’s official Light From Uncommon Stars web page ) | ( official Ryka Aoki web site )

 

Recommended by Garren H.
Bennett Martin Public Library — Public Service

 

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