Ice Planet Barbarians

“I always dreamed of work when I was stressed […] Work dreams are the worst.”

Georgie’s framework of work dreams as “the worst” opens the novel on a reminder of the difficult parts of life on Earth that she will soon be freed from, not the positive memories of Earth that she is about to tragically lose. This early establishment of the novel’s ambivalent attitude toward life on Earth life sets the stage for Georgie’s acceptance of her new planet. This is an important element in alien romance, as heroines must become content (rather than resigned) to staying on their new planet to adhere to romance’s prescribed “happily ever after” paradigm.

“‘Good God, you’re Suzy Fucking Sunshine, aren’t you?’ Liz says, staring at Kira.”

This quote is part of the novel’s exploration of group dynamics, community, and problem-solving. Though Liz’s comment is critical, her delivery is not heated; she and Kira continue to work together smoothly after this observation. Yet Liz’s comment implies that there is merit to maintaining a good attitude, even in a bad situation, further suggesting that Kira’s pessimism might not be helpful to their circumstances. Though Dixon does not offer judgment on the different ways the various stranded women react to their unexpected environs, this novel does suggest that in the immediate aftermath of crash-landing, pragmatism may be more important than emotional response.