I don't know why this was categorized as science fiction.

Yes, it's set in the near future, where climate change impacts are stronger and felt more broadly. Lots of literary and mainstream fiction novels have similar settings.

Yes, the main character applied to be an astronaut; but the way it's presented in the book doesn't distinguish it from any other kind of job application, except for more medical tests.

Stylistically, it is more a literary work. The plot is hazy, science and speculation don't drive the narrative, the characters are complex and Ellingsen spends a lot of time drawing out their idiosyncrasies and dwelling on their smaller details and inner motivations.

At heart, this was a story about what kind of person Brandon--a Korean-Norwegian gay man, ex-soldier and current photographer--was going to be. Hide from his past in the mountains, return to his boyfriend in the city and pretend life is normal, join a radical resistance group?

The subplot involving clearing the heath for planting crops was heartbreaking for me. I'm not sure if this is something a general reader would pick up on, but the themes of the unintended consequences of even well-meant human interference in natural systems were most clearly drawn there.

This book was very different. Spare, dreamy, slow-paced, reflective, obsessed with motives and consequences. I'm looking forward to more of her novels. ( )

...Not Dark Yet is a novel that emphasizes character over development of the plot. Various events in the novel are not so much part of one story arc but rather examined in the light of how they influence the main character. As such, this novel is probably not a good choice for very plot oriented readers. Personally I found Brandon to be a highly interesting character though. Every time you think you have a handle on him, Ellingsen explores a new facet of his personality. What the outcome of Brandon's soul searching will be remains uncertain until the very end of the novel. All things considered I think it is a very successful novel. I'll definitely keep an eye out for the next one.

Full Random Comments review ( )