⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5 stars
The Names of the New World by Kawai Strong Washburn is an ambitious work of climate science fiction that imagines what life might look like as climate change reshapes not only the physical world, but where and how people are able to live within it.
Set largely in Minneapolis, the novel uses multiple points of view to explore displacement, adaptation, and what it means to become a refugee in a world where the places we once considered home may no longer be sustainable. I appreciated the creativity behind Washburn’s vision of this future and the questions the book raises about what humanity might be capable of accomplishing—and what we may have to sacrifice—as we adjust to a new normal.
Amari was easily my favorite character, and I also found Naomi compelling. Unfortunately, the novel as a whole fell a little flat for me. There was quite a bit of repetition, and despite really liking the setup, I never felt as invested in the larger plot as I wanted to be.
I listened to the audiobook, which features multiple narrators to match the book’s multiple perspectives. While I generally enjoy a full cast, the rhythm and cadence of Naomi’s narration didn’t quite work for me, and that affected my connection to her sections of the story.
Ultimately, this was a case where I appreciated the imagination and ideas more than I enjoyed the execution. Climate fiction feels increasingly relevant as writers grapple with what our changing planet could mean for migration, community, and the way we live. I suspect we’re going to see much more of it in the years ahead, and I’m glad authors like Washburn are imagining those possible futures—even when this particular version didn’t completely land for me.
The Names of the New World is expected to be published October 6, 2026.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing me with an advanced listening copy.
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