Space Opera (Valente novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature, Science fiction |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Founder | Catherynne Valente |
| Products | Science fiction novel |
Space Opera is a science fiction novel released in 2018 by Catherynne Valente, which imagines a cosmic iteration of the Eurovision Song Contest. The book was initially issued by Saga Press.
Synopsis
To be accepted into the galactic community and prevent being classified as non-sentient and subsequently eliminated, humanity must participate in the Metagalactic Grand Prix, a music competition involving multiple alien species. Success is not mandatory—avoiding last place suffices. When extraterrestrial delegates suggest potential performers, the only feasible contestant is Decibel Jones and the Absolute Zeroes, a faded glam rock band now reduced to two surviving members.
Reception
Kirkus Reviews labeled the novel as "charming" yet criticized it for lacking depth in plot and originality, drawing parallels with Rick and Morty and works by Daniel Pinkwater. Publishers Weekly commended Valente’s "effervescent prose" for its inventiveness and humor but remarked that the story’s numerous digressions contribute to a somewhat disordered reading experience. In the Financial Times, James Lovegrove acknowledged its "strong satirical potential" despite describing the storyline as "relatively thin." The Guardian characterized it as an "exuberant, absurdist spectacle" with a "hectic narrative" that offers incisive commentary on diversity and gender issues.
| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Campbell Memorial Award | Science Fiction Novel | Template:Sho | [1] |
| Hugo Award | Novel | Template:Sho | [2] | |
| Locus Award | Science Fiction Novel | Template:Sho | [3] | |
| 2025 | Seiun Award | Translated Novel | Template:Pending | [4] |
Origin
Valente has explained that the novel originated from a public challenge posed by a Twitter user to create a science fiction/fantasy take on the Eurovision, after which an editor agreed to acquire the manuscript without prior review.
Sequel
In 2019, Valente revealed she was developing a follow-up entitled Space Oddity.
Adaptation
As of September 2018, plans were underway to adapt Space Opera into a feature film.
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