Book Review: “The World Gives Way” by Marissa Levien

The World Gives Way by Marissa Levien

This is a beautiful, if unhappy story.  Myrra lives on what we learn is a generation ship heading to a new solar system.  The Switzerland-sized habitat is 150 years into its 200 year voyage, so the inhabitants are third generation.  This is all the world they have ever known.

Levien gives us a lot of detail about the society on this tiny world.  The full citizens are descendants of very wealthy Earthlings.  But most of the population are indentured laborers, just slightly better off than slaves. The main good news is that, theoretically, everyone will be freed upon arrival—in another generation.

The world they built and inhabit has many beautiful and charming features, including some amazing topography, cities, and architecture.  At least, charming for those free to enjoy the charm.  Most contract workers live drab, miserable lives, filled with toil and poverty.

Migrating in a generation ship is a risky endeavor, if the systems fail, there is no plan B. 

Myrra discovers that this world is suddenly falling apart, far short of the destination. If true, then they won’t make it. Everyone, rich and poor, young and old will die.

What would you do if you knew you were going to die in a few weeks?  What if the entire world was going to end?

Myrra is a survivor, always moving forward, no matter what.  Along the way, she gives and learns to take love from others, including young Tobias.  Ultimately, Myrra discovers that, if nothing else, we can make life a bit better, for each other, for as long as we have. And that’s what really matters.

It’s a sad story, of course.  One woman, no matter how plucky, can’t fix the world. 

But like Tobias, I think I would follow Myrra anywhere.

The is Levien’s first book.  I look forward to reading more from her.  Maybe something a bit more cheerful.

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1. Marissa Levien, The World Gives Way, New York, Redhook, 2021.

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