I love a meta book; it feels like you and the author are in on a joke together which gives you that sense of pride and self-satisfaction. A Psalm for the Wild-Built is a meta book on a whole other level, because it's about the comforts of a nice cup of tea and the book itself feels like a warm cup of tea. I can't wait to discuss it with you!
The Gist
Sibling Dex is tired of being a regular monk in the city, so they decide to become a tea monk and travel to villages all across Panga. They encounter a robot in the wilderness, a machine not seen for hundreds of years since they separated from humanity, who seeks Dex's help in understanding what humans need.
The Take
A Psalm for the Wild-Built is such a pandemic novel, but in the best way. It came out in the thick of COVID fatigue, when many people were still trying to understand their new normal and mourning the social activities that were no longer possible. Comfort was what most of us needed, and Becky Chambers delivers that comfort in this story. Dex demonstrates a strong need to escape from their stifling life and experience a new path, which is a sentiment shared by so many, and they go on the most gentle journey to quaint villages in order to share a cup of tea and a sympathetic ear to anyone who needs it. It's also short, only 140 pages, so it doesn't elicit the stress of commitment to a longer story. It is a comfort read, one I would recommend to anyone needing a break from the strong plots and devastating character arcs (I'm looking at you, A Little Life).
While it is a comfort read, I don't want to diminish the impact of the story itself. There is a surprising amount of philosophical discussion throughout the novel, digging into humanity's insistence on grand purpose and the chafe of a stagnant life. Dex and Mosscap, the monk and robot, respectively, have many discussions trying to understand the nature of existence through their differences and similarities. My favorite discussion takes place in the forest, where the two characters dig into the paradox of inevitable human mortality and our fear of that inescapable fate. It is at once a soft story and a deep exploration of humanity's need for purpose, something I think bears discussion every now and then.
This entire story, through its deep discussions and quaint scenery, centers around two quirky and adorable characters. Dex is a tea monk who takes pride in doing good work, but has some hilarious mishaps along the way and exudes that essential human trait of avoiding the true thing making them unhappy. Their struggles in the true wilderness and anxiety over harming any living creature make for humorous storytelling. Mosscap in contrast gives frank statements about their observations of human existence, often to hilarious effect. They are a robot who has had no previous contact with humanity, so the social "niceties" (AKA human avoidance, let's be honest) are entirely lost on them. Their dynamic makes for insightful dialogue between the pair, which drives much of the philosophical discussion and minimizes stressful conflict.
This is in no way a beach read, and I can't foresee it ever being adapted for TV or film. It is not a book I would recommend you pick up at any old time. This is the type of story meant for the time in life, which we all inevitably reach, where existing and working and striving for your goals starts feeling insurmountable. When you need to take a step back and realize all of the joy and wonder that exists in the world and in your life without any effort from you. It is a balm to a chafed spirit, a break from the expectations you have set for yourself, and a celebration of the beauty of your existence. When you feel like you need that feeling, pick up this book.
A Psalm for the Wild-Built is the type of comfort read that has become popular recently, and an excellent one at that. Becky Chambers manages to craft an engaging story with massive impact, all while delivering it in a cozy narrative that causes little stress to you. Even if you aren't a tea drinker, pick up a mug of something warm and soothing and dive in to Dex and Mosscap's journey.
Rating: 10/10
Memorable Moments
"You keep asking why your work is not enough, and I don’t know how to answer that, because it is enough to exist in the world and marvel at it."
The hermitage sounds like a magical place to explore.
“Everybody thinks they're the exception to the rule, and that's exactly where the trouble starts. One person can do a lot of damage.”
Try It If...
You need a cozy read where nothing truly bad happens.
Robot-human interactions are amusing to you.
You want a short read that can be completed in one sitting.
Avoid It If...
You need a lot of plot or conflict in your story.
Philosophy does not interest you.
Stories set on different worlds are too disorienting for you.
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