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Very short book that combines fiction and nonfiction to write about a bookshop in Algiers in the 20th century. A brief introduction to the history of Algeria for me, as I know practically nothing, as they fight for independence from France.

I loved this book, especially the female characters. Lucy, Lady Lufton, Mary and Miss Dunstable are very admirable. Mrs. Proudie, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Grantly were complex, strong women used to having their way. This was my favorite so far in the series. That doesn't mean I wouldn't have edited out a bit where I feel Trollope repeats himself.

I wouldn't have finished this if I hadn't promised a friend, but that I said I really enjoyed the last part of the book. It just took a very long time to get there. I didn't really like the central them of the 7 Eves and how their one-dimensional characteristics persisted for generations. But I did really like the plot especially the reintroduction of humans to a changed Earth. I skipped over a lot of the orbital mechanics descriptions.

I love this series almost as much as the First Law books. The humor in the midst of such horrible goings on gets me every time. Rikke is an amazing character and I'd read a lot more about her.

This book isn't the easiest to read, but it is the most important one I've read in years. It fills in gaps and reframes our country's history to include black americans. I am sorry that at the same time this crucial truth is getting recognition there are people trying to shut down any acknowledgement of the impact of systemic racism in America. How can we succeed if we don't acknowledge the truth around us?