Dear Star Wars: Kenobi,

(Disclaimer: I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.)

Can I just begin with a little geekgasm?  Glee!

When I found out that a book was going to be written about Obi-Wan Kenobi set after his self-appointed exile and acting-guardian of look, I did a little dance.  Throughout the Prequels, Obi-Wan has been the most fascinating.  His character arc is much better than Anakin’s and the writing of his character has been, for the most part, quite sharp.  Not to mention Ewan McGregor’s portrayal…

However, after I stop hyperventilating, I began to worry.  I was excited about this.  It had the potential to be great.  This was Star Wars in the Prequel era…  It was going to be horrible!

Oh, Kenobi, how you proved me wrong.

You are a fantastic novel that delves deep into the man and myth that is Obi-Wan Kenobi.  We get to his him in all his doubts and desires and really begin to understand why being a Jedi — even when the Order is basically destroyed — is such a difficult vocation to choose.

The beauty of you is that you are a western, for all intents and purposes.  The Tatooine farmers and such are the ‘Cowboys,’ the sand people the ‘Indians,’ and Kenobi is the ‘Lone Gunman’ come to town to rescue them.  Of course, the moment those are set, you start subverting those stereotypes.  You are at once an examination of a life lived in a harsh environment, of the power of family and community (your moments among the Sand People are some of the best delving into sociology in the Star Wars Universe), and what it takes to be a hero, even when you’ve failed and are haunted by your own mistakes.

You, Kenobi, are a novel deserving to wear the Star Wars title.  Perhaps, though, in reality, Star Wars is deserving of you.