A Review: Gravity is Heartless by Sarah Lahey

Summary

What will the world look like in thirty years’ time? How will humanity survive the oncoming effects of climate change? Set in the near future and inspired by the world around us, Gravity Is Heartless is a romantic adventure that imagines a world on the cusp of climate catastrophe.

The year is 2050: automated cities, vehicles, and homes are now standard, artificial Intelligence, CRISPR gene editing, and quantum computing have become a reality, and climate change is in full swing―sea levels are rising, clouds have disappeared, and the planet is heating up.

Quinn Buyers is a climate scientist who’d rather be studying the clouds than getting ready for her wedding day. But when an unexpected tragedy causes her to lose everything, including her famous scientist mother, she embarks upon a quest for answers that takes her across the globe―and she uncovers friends, loss and love in the most unexpected of places along the way. Gravity Is Heartless is bold, speculative fiction that sheds a hard light on the treatment of our planet even as it offers a breathtaking sense of hope for the future.

This review contains spoilers.

Review

Rating: ★★★★★

Gravity is Heartless by Sarah Lahey is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of love, loss, and the boundless possibilities of the future. Set against the backdrop of Earth in 2050, Lahey presents readers with a world that is both tantalizingly familiar and intriguingly futuristic. At its heart, the novel is a captivating blend of romance and science fiction, seamlessly weaving together elements of speculative technology and heartfelt human emotion.

The story follows scientist Quinn Buyers, a character whose depth and complexity immediately draw the reader into her world. Quinn’s passion for studying the clouds is palpable, providing a rich backdrop against which her journey unfolds. However, Quinn’s life takes a tragic turn with the unexpected loss of her mother, a renowned scientist in her own right. This devastating event propels Quinn on a quest for answers, leading her on a globe-trotting adventure filled with danger, discovery, and unexpected romance.

What sets Gravity is Heartless apart is its meticulous attention to detail and its grounding in scientific concepts. Lahey’s background in science shines through in her writing, lending authenticity to the futuristic world she creates. Yet, amidst the technological wonders and scientific advancements, it is the human element that truly shines. Quinn’s emotional journey is at the forefront of the narrative, as she grapples with grief, searches for meaning, and ultimately finds hope and love in the most unexpected places.

The romance between Quinn and her love interest is beautifully portrayed, with a delicacy and nuance often lacking in the genre. Rather than relying on tired clichés or superficial tropes, Lahey crafts a relationship that feels authentic and deeply satisfying. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and their evolving connection adds depth and richness to the story.

Lahey’s skillful prose and vivid descriptions bring the world of “Gravity is Heartless” to life, immersing the reader in a future that feels both tantalizingly close and tantalizingly distant. From the bustling streets of futuristic cities to the serene beauty of remote landscapes, each setting is vividly rendered, inviting the reader to lose themselves in the story.

Gravity is Heartless is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of science fiction and romance. With its compelling characters, inventive world-building, and heartfelt storytelling, Sarah Lahey has crafted a story that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. For its seamless blend of genres, its emotional depth, and its sheer storytelling prowess, Gravity is Heartless is a must-read for anyone seeking an unforgettable literary adventure. I wholeheartedly give it five stars.