But in this world, rest and comfort are integral parts of society. The tea service that Dex provides is a way for people to come together, to connect, and to take a break from the stresses of daily life. It’s a form of community care that emphasizes the importance of taking time for oneself and for others.
I came up with the idea for the tea service as a way to explore the concept of care in a tangible way. In our world, we often talk about self-care and the importance of taking care of ourselves, but what about taking care of each other? What about creating spaces where people can come together and support one another?
The tea service in the Monk & Robot series is a reflection of a society that values compassion and connection. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to go it alone, that we can find comfort and solace in the presence of others. And it’s a way to show that small acts of kindness, like sharing a cup of tea, can have a big impact on our well-being.
Q. One of the things I love about these books is the relationship between Dex and Mosscap, the robot. Their friendship is so beautifully portrayed, and it’s clear that they both learn and grow from each other. Can you talk a bit about the importance of this relationship and what it represents in the larger context of the series?
A. The relationship between Dex and Mosscap is at the heart of the Monk & Robot series. It’s a friendship that transcends boundaries and challenges preconceived notions about what it means to be human or to be sentient. Dex, a monk seeking answers about the world and his place in it, finds a kindred spirit in Mosscap, a robot who is grappling with questions of consciousness and identity.
Their friendship is a reflection of the themes of the series — compassion, understanding, and the power of connection. Through their interactions, we see the importance of empathy and openness, of listening and learning from one another. And we see that true friendship knows no bounds, that it can bridge the gap between different beings and bring about profound change.
In a world where technology often threatens to divide us, the friendship between Dex and Mosscap serves as a reminder of the power of human connection. It shows us that no matter our differences, we can find common ground and build meaningful relationships based on mutual respect and care.
Overall, the Monk & Robot series is a testament to the possibility of a better world — a world built on compassion, understanding, and empathy. It’s a world that challenges us to imagine a future where care and kindness are not just ideals, but integral parts of society. And it’s a world that invites us to consider what it means to truly live in harmony with ourselves, with each other, and with the world around us.
Q. In your writing, you create these rich, detailed worlds that feel so vivid and immersive. What is your process for world-building, and how do you go about creating these spaces that feel so real and lived-in?
A. World-building is one of my favorite parts of writing. I love creating new worlds, imagining what they might look like, how they might function, and who might inhabit them. For the Monk & Robot series, I wanted to create a world that felt both familiar and strange, a world that readers could recognize but also be surprised by.
I start by asking myself a lot of questions. What is the history of this world? What are the social structures like? What are the values and beliefs of the people who live here? What technologies exist, and how do they impact daily life? By answering these questions, I can start to build a framework for the world that the story takes place in.
I also draw inspiration from the world around me. I pay attention to the details of everyday life, the things that make a place feel real and lived-in. I think about how people interact with their environment, how they move through space, how they communicate with each other. All of these details help to create a world that feels immersive and engaging.
Ultimately, my goal with world-building is to create a setting that feels like a character in its own right — a setting that shapes the story and the characters in meaningful ways. I want readers to feel like they are stepping into a fully realized world, one that they can explore and experience alongside the characters. And I hope that by immersing themselves in these worlds, readers can see new possibilities and imagine different ways of living and being.
In conclusion, the Monk & Robot series by Becky Chambers offers readers a glimpse into a world built on compassion, sustainability, and care. Through the friendship between Dex and Mosscap, the series explores themes of empathy, connection, and the power of human relationships. Chambers’ rich world-building and immersive storytelling create a vivid and engaging reading experience that challenges readers to imagine new possibilities and envision a future where kindness and understanding prevail.
As we navigate our own world, filled with challenges and uncertainties, books like A Psalm for the Wild-Built and A Prayer for the Crown-Shy serve as a reminder of the importance of rest, community care, and the transformative power of friendship. They invite us to consider what it means to truly live in harmony with ourselves, with each other, and with the world around us — and inspire us to strive for a better future, one built on love, compassion, and connection.
In the end, the Monk & Robot series is a shining example of the power of speculative fiction to inspire, challenge, and uplift. It offers a vision of a better world, one where kindness and understanding reign supreme, and where the possibilities for growth, change, and connection are endless. As we continue to navigate the complexities of our own world, books like these remind us of the importance of empathy, community, and the enduring power of human relationships.
So, the next time you need a break from the chaos of the world, consider picking up A Psalm for the Wild-Built and immersing yourself in the gentle, compassionate world of Panga. Who knows — you might just find a little bit of peace, a little bit of hope, and a whole lot of heart.
