I’m not sure how I got this book, possibly from Prime First Reads or some promotion. But I was sitting on a plane looking for a new book that I had downloaded on my kindle and decided to read this because it was short. I went in with zero expectations and was incredibly surprised with what I found.
I think this is labeled as a coming of age novel, and that’s a good way to describe it. Sophia, the main character is in a long term relationship that she expects is turning to marriage. Her boyfriend surprises her with a grand trip to the Galapagos. But this wasn’t her dream, it was her boyfriends. As they are boarding their flight, her boyfriend takes a phone call and has to leave, forcing Sophia to take the trip by herself.
The next part of the book explores that feeling of being alone and feeling the need to tie yourself to someone, uncomfortable with being single. Unable to enjoy the trip as a result. She meets many people and develops those vacation friends that we have all had. The people you are so close to for a week and then never talk to again. Sophia spends the first part of the trip as if she’s vacationing on behalf of her boyfriend. But over time she adapts and starts vacationing for herself.
The book is best in its nuance, not in its primary storyline. The emotions that Sophia felt throughout the trip were incredibly relatable. There were several things she thought that mirror those embarrassing thoughts I’ve had about people, that I’d been too embarrassed to ever admit or say aloud.
The story actually kept me going and had really solid pacing. There were no dull points. If anything it moved a little too fast.
The story takes an interesting turn at the end. Not in the predictable sense either. What I love is that Sophia ends up in an emotional state where she questions things that happened earlier. But the readers are going through that same betrayal as we were given the same information that Sophia was. So it really pulls you into Sophia’s thoughts and makes it even more relatable.
The final story does tie back to the original title in interesting ways and there are some nice quotable elements at the end.
This is a book that I’d probably never have picked up and read except under these unique circumstances but I find myself very glad that I did end up reading it. What a delightful and relatable and realistic short story.
Natural Selection: A Short Story
3.9 | 34,687 ratings
Price: 0.99
Last update: 12-23-2024
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Top reviews from the United States
Alex Curtis
surprisingly Good. A Realistic Heartwarming story.
Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2024
Cassandra H
A Riveting Tale of Adaptation and Deception
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2024
Cassandra H
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2024
Sophia’s journey is both heart-wrenching and enlightening. As she arrives in the Galapagos on a trip originally intended for herself and JP,she navigates the complexities of her relationship with JP, and she learns the hard truths about trust and adaptability. The recurring theme—“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, and it is not the most intelligent. It is the one most adaptable to change”—is brilliantly interwoven throughout the narrative. This idea resonates deeply as Sophia faces the shocking revelation of JP's deceit and the reality of his life back home.
The narrative explores the contrast between Sophia’s adaptability and JP's inability to evolve. Sophia’s initial naïveté gives way to a poignant realization of her own strength and the necessity of change. The encounters with her shipmates add layers of complexity and highlight the struggles inherent in relationships where adaptation is not an option.
The book’s ending, where Sophia snaps a stunning photograph of a dolphin midair—a symbol of her own personal growth and transformation—is both metaphorically and visually striking. It’s a testament to the story’s powerful message about embracing change and learning from one’s experiences.
With its engaging plot and well-developed characters, *Natural Selection* is a must-read for anyone interested in a story about love, betrayal, and personal evolution. It’s a narrative that will stay with you long after the last page, reminding you that survival and success often hinge on our ability to adapt.
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Annie Stein
Quick, fun read
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2024
Colleen M. Lelli
Fun short story
Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2024Jennifer
Good Story, Ending Seemed Predictable
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2024