Heard about some big shot gangster putting together a novelization…
Out today, Solo: A Star Wars Story novelization by Mur Lafferty brings Han Solo’s origin story to the page and even gives us a little more than we saw in the film. (Hence the Extended Edition banner at the top.) That said, the Solo novelization isn’t going to change anyone’s mind about the story or even the film itself. If you generally enjoyed Solo, you’ll likely enjoy the novelization but it doesn’t reach that exalted top shelf where Revenge of the Sith and Rogue One sit. However, if you’re the least bit interested in the book, it’s worth picking up especially for the deleted scenes like those set at the Imperial Academy. (Long live Tag and Bink!)
Spoilers after the jump, including those you’d know from watching the film.
Star Wars readers were first introduced to Mur Lafferty via From a Certain Point of View and her voice continues to be an excellent match for the galaxy far, far away. The book bounces from point of view to point of view, giving us a broader take on the story through more than just Han’s eyes. We get to see more of Chewbacca on his quest to rid himself of the mud of Mimban, and a closer look at Lando in his cape closet and his comprehensive of soft power through sartorial choices, and even get to know the Transportation Security Officer who Han and Qi’ra only somewhat successfully bribe. It’s a fun read that’s not married to maintaining the purity of the movie’s script while still keeping the memorable lines intact.
As a Qi’ra fan, I had a strong appreciation for what Lafferty does with her even though I was occasionally left wanting more. Generally speaking, many of the story’s female characters get more time and attention than the film was able to give them but Qi’ra makes out exceptionally well. Qi’ra and L3 have an extended version of their cockpit conversation which may be worth the price of admission alone. We learn more about what she went through after Han was forced to leave her on Corellia and, unsurprisingly, it’s was rough. However, it shaped the person she became. There’s a particularly telling line where Qi’ra thinks about her choice in fancier clothing and how she doesn’t want to be as impoverished as she was on Corellia ever again. Those eight pages say so much about both of them but nothing’s more telling than when L3 asks Qi’ra, “Where’s your restraining bolt?”; a question that carries through to that fateful moment on Dryden’s yacht. These are eight pages that I’ll be thinking about for a very long time.
L3 gets more of the spotlight as the book deals with the film’s choice to integrate her with the Falcon. The book gives her a chance to express how she feels about becoming a part of the ship as opposed to dying entirely and also expands upon her relationship with Lando, showing his genuine grief over losing someone he loved. Personally, I think Lafferty did what she could with what was there and makes it better but your mileage may vary. Even Val, one of the two characters tragically underutilized in the movie, gets some excellent moments within the story including a short but sweet scene with Chewie. The book does a lot to help expand upon her relationship with Beckett including a very telling line where he corrects Han after Val’s death and says, “Actually, I think I was hers.” If anything, the hints at Beckett, Val, and Rio’s past adventures make me want to experience these stories even more, particularly the one involve gladiators and a queen.
The Solo novelization is a fast and enjoyable read that is best recommended to either those who liked the film or who want to learn more about the characters. Qi’ra fans especially will appreciate the book and I most certainly wouldn’t be opposed to seeing another story by Lafferty in the Star Wars universe.
Thank you to Del Rey for providing a copy of the book for review purposes.
