‘What do you need, and how can I help?’

‘I didn’t know then […] and I still don’t. But what I do know is […] You’re helping me figure it out.’

Synopsis

Following on from the events of the first book, Sibling Dex and Mosscap continue their journey, asking humans what they truly need. Along the way, they meet several characters , including Dex’s own family, but ultimately, the story ends with the realisation that it’s okay to simply exist without needing a purpose.

Existence and purpose

Once again, Chambers examines the need for a purpose and whether, as humans, we need one. As in the first book, these moments usually come as a result of Mosscap questioning social norms, resulting in a philosophical discussion between the two characters. In this book, however, Chambers makes her stance clearer. It is okay to not have a purpose, or to exist in the meantime while you are still searching for your purpose.

In the final pages, Chambers writes:

‘‘What if this is enough, for now? […] What if it’s enough to just be…’

Us, Dex knew Mosscap meant.’

Demonstrating Chambers’s belief that in order to live a happy life, you are allowed to just exist. As was shown in the first book, humans are animals too, and we are allowed to just live.

Humble living – gratitude in small moments

As a result of this ideology and the characters’ growing interest in the natural world, Chambers notes Dex: ‘Savoring the indescribable satisfaction of having eaten wild things while trading breath with the trees.’ This shows that not only is Dex learning to be more involved within nature over the course of the two books, but also that they are starting to feel gratitude within everyday moments.

Again, this is shown in the quote: ‘You don’t know how to be grateful for a well-sealed wall if you haven’t had a winter storm bust through a weak one.’ Chambers uses the simple analogy of a warm building versus a cold one to illustrate that without experiencing hardship, the moments of stillness and comfort are less deeply appreciated. Without enduring ‘the winter storm’, you will not be grateful for a ‘well-sealed wall.’

Humans and the unnatural disconnect from nature

As mentioned before, Dex initially has a strange relationship with nature, hesitant to stray away from the path in the first book, before eventually realising the freedom it offers.

Chambers reinforces the idea through the symbolism of a sign pointing to the next village: ‘there’s no spontaneity in your journey then, is there? If you’re focused on moving from sign to sign, there’s no opportunity for happy accidents.’ This is another example of Chambers’ ability to take seemingly small, mundane aspects of the world and turn them into meaningful philosophical discussion.

This theme is expanded upon, ‘I connect simply by watching things move through the Cycle. I don’t need an object to facilitate that feeling.’

‘Neither do we, if we remember to stop and look.’

Mosscap raises an interesting discussion simply by observing human customs, such as placing idols or shrines. Humans nowadays are so disconnected from nature that we often don’t just admire it for purely existing, people will visit places of natural beauty just to take pictures and say they have been there–but have they truly experienced it? Even though the book is set in a distant future on the moon, Panga, Chambers maintains enough realism to  prompt readers to reflect on their own relationship with nature. Do we take the time to be present within nature? Once again, this links to Chambers’ belief of humans being allowed to just exist.

Comfort and friendship

As I said in my review of Psalm for the Wild-Built, the Monk and Robot books provide incredible comfort. I feel as if they are a representation of a slow Sunday morning, wrapped in warmth with a hot beverage of your choice.

Mosscap and Dex’s friendship embodies that feeling. Their simple words of support don’t sugarcoat or overexplain anything, but instead offer quiet, effective encouragement. Chambers captures this perfectly in the quote:

‘You don’t have a reason to be tired. You don’t have to earn rest or comfort.’

‘You’re not alone in this, you know, […] Purpose is one of the most common answers to my question.’

Their friendship is built on understanding and support, with their dynamic aiding in figuring things out together. Additionally, it mirrors Sibling Dex’s past career as a tea monk, speaking to people about their issues in life. However with Mosscap, the roles are reversed. Instead of Dex being the therapist role, Mosscap is.

Their friendship is solidified in the final scene of them playing in the ocean. Once again, Chambers constructs a scene that, while simplistic on the surface, holds a deeper meaning for both the characters and the overarching storyline. Readers will remember Dex’s hesitation about the lake in the first book. However, they are now relaxed, more comfortable, and connected with nature through the friendship with Mosscap.

Chambers ends the novella with the powerful closing line: ‘…as the two of them jumped and played and marveled at the spectacle that would’ve existed whether anyone was there to witness it or not.’ And draws the book to a close on a scene of tranquility and connection between the two.

Final Thoughts

Like the first book, Prayer for the Crown-Shy is a comfort read–offering comfort and reassurance, especially during the winter months or moments of low mood. It’s not mentally taxing and they lift your spirits up when you need it. The expansion on their friendship and adventures was also satisfying to see and therefore, consolidates its 5 star rating.