In this science fiction novel, the protagonist is a linguist working to communicate with an alien species amidst a backdrop of ecological collapse on Earth. As humanity grapples with dwindling resources and societal breakdown, the central character's work becomes increasingly vital. The story weaves together themes of environmental disaster, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, and the resilience of the human spirit, exploring the complexities of language and communication, both within our species and with others, while offering a poignant commentary on the consequences of environmental neglect.

The 10006th greatest book of all time