Translation State by Ann Leckie

Ann Leckie’s Translation State isn’t all a love story. But in some ways, it is pretty damn close. It’s the story of a woman who finds herself and experiences adventure after a lifetime of quietude and domineering family. Two young(-ish) people, searching for meaning and acceptance. Trying to understand where the belong and who they want to be. and all in space!!

This is exactly what I needed after finishing the Ancillary series: a deeper dive into the universe of Imperial Radch. In Translation State, we learn more about the enigmatic Presgr translators. Suddely Dlique and Zeiat make so much more sense: we understand the duality of translators and their ooey gooey origins.

I can’t effectively put it into words… I loved this book so much. Dumplings! Exiles of the Pirate Moon! Coffee…. bio mechs!! More details about the treaty! I loved the characters. I was horrified of Reet & his instincts, but it turns out he is lovely and a testament to the love of his moms. Once he learned it was wrong, he never hurt anyone. Qven faced something horrible, just because e dared to dream that e could have a different life. Enae is intrepid and clever and underestimated in the most powerful way.

I need to know how Reet’s progenitor got there!! Are the Schan also secretly Presgr? Is that who the translators are based on?

Also want to note how I love the way Leckie writes about gender. It was a little hard to think of/imagine at first, but now I get it. It feels natural to say e or she for everyone. I think it is making me understand more and see the world in a richer way.

Picking up the next Leckie book already!!