A Psalm for the Wild-Built

by Becky Chambers

On a moon called Panga at some point in the distant future, there is peace and plenty. The people have set aside half of the world to remain in a state of wilderness, nobody is in charge, and everybody gets to do the work they find most fulfilling. Or not, if that’s their choice. And at some point centuries ago, all the robots decided they didn't care for servitude and they left. Nobody has seen one since.

Sibling Dex has decided that the work that will fulfil them is becoming a Tea Monk, so that’s what they set out to do. As Dex gets better and better at their new vocation, they find it less and less fulfilling, and they find themself more and more drawn to the wilderness. And one day, out at the very edges of human habitation, a robot appears. It approaches Sibling Dex with a simple question that’s going to be awfully hard to answer. The question is, “What do people need?”

In an odd way, Psalm for the Wild-Built reminds me of the Murderbot books. This universe is kind of the exact opposite of the Murderbot universe (which is a very good thing for its inhabitants). But both are about what personhood means and what it means to be viewed as a not-a-person. Both are short and sweet. And both will soften your jaded old heart just a little.

This is probably the gentlest, most hopeful story I’ve ever read. It’s deceptively simple, like a raku-ware teacup. It’s just a story about people from two societies that have diverged from each other but aren’t at odds about it, learning about each other.

If you know me well enough to be on my Christmas list, now you know what you’ll be getting this year. If not, what are you waiting for? It’s a super quick read and you won’t be sorry. Five stars.