Obviously, the story follows a group of scientists, primarily the protagonist Robert MacDonald, as they detect a signal coming from Capella, attempt to decipher it, and eventually uncover the message and its effects on both the scientists and humanity more broadly.
The novel has a dual emphasis: on the message itself and the situation we can infer exists in the alien world, but also on the philosophical and psychological implications for humanity. At times, Gunn effectively places the two worlds side by side. Two sister worlds separated by light years, vastly different from one another yet strangely similar at the same time. Considering that earth had been broadcasting tv/radio signals for decades (thats how they know about us!) we can take both "messages" (alien and earth's) as cultural imprints and archaeological records from both sides.
I liked Gunn's writing. It's definitely a product of its time in places, but it never felt stiff or difficult to read. There was some character development, and I particularly appreciated the attention given to the social and political consequences of the discovery. It made the novel feel like more than simply a story about making contact with an alien civilisation; it was also an exploration of what that contact might reveal about ourselves.
Recommend.
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