A Stitch in Time

When I watched Deep Space 9 in the winter of 2024/2025, I was captivated by several characters: TV’s greatest villain Gul Dukat, absolute girlboss Kira Nerys, and everybody’s plain simple tailor Garak. Garak is a secondary character, but he’s core to some of the show’s greatest moments, such as Sisko’s “I can live with it” monologue, and his own “Even the lies?” “Especially the lies” exchange with Dr. Bashir. I love

Garak, and I’m not the only one, since his actor, Andrew J Robinson, extended his supporting character with an entire novel detailing his backstory and future on the devastated post-Dominion Cardassia.

By far the best part of this book is how Robinson captures Garak’s voice (I also got the audiobook performed by Robinson, so literal voice.) Garak is a keen observer, a perennial outsider with a desperate need for connection, and a person who will give all for the cause, any cause. Through his life, he suffers numerous betrayals: from his family, from his school, and from his profession. Meanwhile, he gains the skills to master himself, to act as a skilled agent, and to eventually do the right thing.

Truly a glorious and fun read.