''Remnant Population'' is a 1996

science fiction Science fiction (often shortened to sci-fi or abbreviated SF) is a genre of speculative fiction that deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts. These concepts may include information technology and robotics, biological manipulations, space ...

novel by American writer

Elizabeth Moon Elizabeth Moon (born March 7, 1945) is an American science fiction and fantasy writer. Her other writing includes newspaper columns and opinion pieces. Her novel ''The Speed of Dark'' won the 2003 Nebula Award for Best Novel, Nebula Award. Pri ...

. The protagonist, Ofelia, is an old woman who decides to remain behind on a colony world after the company who sent her there pulls out. It was nominated for the

Hugo Award The Hugo Award is an annual literary award for the best science fiction or fantasy works and achievements of the previous year, given at the World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) and chosen by its members. The award is administered by th ...

for Best Novel in 1997.

Plot

The main character, Ofelia, lives on a fictional planet colonized by Sims Bancorp company. When the company evacuates the colony, Ofelia opts to stay behind, doubting she will live through

cryogenic sleep Suspended animation is the slowing or stopping of biological function so that physiological capabilities are preserved. States of suspended animation are common in micro-organisms and some plant tissue, such as seeds. Many animals, including l ...

, and not wanting to abandon the place where her family is buried. Ofelia hides in the woods until the others leave the planet; no efforts are made to search for her due to her lack of value to the company. She lives alone in the village until a group of the planet's natural inhabitants make contact. She teaches them her language and technology, and they refer to her as a "Nest Guardian", a revered caretaker role. When the existence of the species is discovered by other humans, scientists and military personnel arrive on the planet and come into conflict with Ofelia's perspective on how to interact with them. By the end of the novel, Ofelia's experience wins out and she lives out her life on the planet, and other elderly humans are brought to the planet to serve as Nest Guardians.

Reception

Ofelia is "one of the rare elderly heroines in SF" who, throughout the course of the story, reaffirms her self-worth and value to society, contrary to typical portrayals of older female characters in the genre.

References

{{Reflist Novels by Elizabeth Moon American science fiction novels 1996 American novels 1996 science fiction novels Baen Books books Novels about extraterrestrial life