Trike's Reviews > A Civil Campaign

This comedy of manners was delightful fun. The blend of physical slapstick, political intrigue and humorous dialogue was perfectly balanced, like a well-engineered machine. There are so many moving parts that it’s impossible to briefly sum up what happens in the story, as each plot thread twists and tangles with the others.

This is really Part Two of the story which began in Komarr, and it works best when read that way. I assume the next book will be an immediate continuation of the story, based on all the things Bujold has set up here. The main story is nicely wrapped up, but there are clearly plot threads which can continue. Plus, of course, there are always space pirates and political infighting to liven things up, as well.

There was one aspect which resonates particularly well currently: the disenfranchisement of women. This is something that is powered by religious extremists on the far right and is sweeping across states. Steadily, and with increasing speed, the rights of women are being eroded. In some cases, as with Kay Ivey, governor of Alabama, it’s inexplicably supported by women. Apparently they don’t see the looming dystopia they are helping to usher in, shades of The Handmaid's Tale. In Bujold’s universe, women are likewise second-class citizens on some planets. However, advanced technology being what it is, one of the women goes offworld to have complete gender reassignment treatment, thus throwing a monkey wrench into the works of Barrayar’s political system. Hijinks ensue.