Book Reviews: The Monk and Robot Series, “a Psalm for the Wild-Built” and “a Prayer for the Crown-Shy”, by Becky Chambers.
The Monk and Robot series, which contains two books, “a Psalm for the Wild-Built” and “a Prayer for the Crown-Shy”, was written by Becky Chambers. It features the main character, Sibling Dex, a non-binary monk to the God of Little Comforts, Allalae, and a mysterious figure (that one could probably work out from both the cover art and title of the two-part book series).
Taking place in the world of Panga, a planet not unlike our own, the world had undergone a greed-filled expansion of industry which led to the creation of robots who worked the factories of the world 24/7, all the while humans were out of work and their world was being polluted and damaged beyond measure. Until one day, the robots gained consciousness and left to live in the wilds under the assurances that they would be left to their own devices.
The world as it is now though, is a solarpunk utopia, with biodegradable skyscrapers built from casein (a byproduct of diary manufacturing), gardens and energy production built into every home and building, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, and free and available public transport. All set within a world that adheres to a polytheistic faith, dedicated to six Gods. The world in which it is set is also full of comfort, and reading the book itself feels comfortable and cosy. Dex’s main goal as a monk of Allalae is to bring comfort to others and themselves, and Chambers has done a fantastic job of bringing that comfort to the reader as well.
Chambers weaves a story of longing and self-discovery in these two books in a way that makes you want to keep coming back for more (and praying that they write more books in the series). Dex, a travelling tea monk, is asked a simple question “what do you need?”, which kickstarts the philosophical reflection of the main character and the reader. Dex and their travelling companion have discussions and debates on purpose, meaning, about wanting more when you have all that you need, consciousness, and much more, but the world and writing of Chambers explores these ideas in a cosy and comfortable way, which sparks further thought in the reader.
As polytheists (and/or pagans) the Monk and Robot series presents polytheism in a relatively accurate and realistic way, there are no priests going around throwing fireballs, but there are theological debates, such as on which God or Gods gave rise to the self-awareness of robots. It also shows how polytheism can be lived simply, in service to other and the Gods, in ways that are within reach of us now.
If you are looking for a book which explores the philosophical questions of need and identity, a book which explores the alternative system of solarpunk, a book which exposes us to ideas of simple lived polytheism, or simply a good story, then the Monk and Robot series will scratch that itch.