Book overview
Literary Critique of Space 2047 by Ben Robinson
Ben Robinson’s Space 2047 is an irreverent science fiction satire that launches readers into a surreal galaxy filled with eccentric characters, absurd adventures, and sharp humor. Told by a sarcastic AI narrator, the novel chronicles the chaotic journey of a space delivery crew who are as lost in life as they are in space.
The story of the crew of the spaceship Are We There Yet? includes a man who once ate a bicycle out of spite, a cross-dresser with a teddy bear obsession, a bearded woman who dreams of owning cleaning drones, and a seductive misfit who brushes her nostrils with someone else’s toothbrush. Add to that Karen, a psychic baby inspired by a mind-altering drink, and you’ve got one of the most bizarre casts in sci-fi satire.
As they navigate the cosmic void, the crew’s encounters with sentient chocolate bars, rogue robots, and a mysterious space rabbit serve less to advance a plot and more to parody the absurdities of modern existence—loneliness, consumerism, the search for meaning, and the limitations of human intelligence.
Thematically, Space 2047 tackles:
– The monotony of existence (cosmic and personal)
– The rise of artificial intelligence and its contempt for humans
– Love in an age of emotional detachment
– Late-stage capitalism, pushed to galactic extremes
The humor is relentless and unapologetically absurd, leaning into surrealism, slapstick, and satire. It’s an unfiltered barrage of strange ideas, bizarre wordplay, and deadpan jokes.
The writing style is manic and maximalist, often layering tangents within tangents. For readers who enjoy controlled chaos and comedic overload, it’s a delight. For others, the lack of structure may be exhausting. Still, beneath the jokes lies a melancholy truth: in a vast and indifferent universe, humanity’s struggles—however ridiculous—are deeply familiar.
Comparable to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Space 2047 pushes further into absurdity and surrealism. It lacks Adams’s restraint but makes up for it with fearless creativity and an eagerness to subvert sci-fi norms.
In short, Space 2047 is a chaotic, hilarious, and thought-provoking ride through a future that feels uncomfortably close to home. It’s not for everyone, but it’s a must-read for fans of absurdist fiction and unhinged sci-fi satire.
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