Miles Vorkosigan is in love with the recently-widowed Ekaterin Vorsoisson. Several obstacles inhibit his hopes at courtship: She is still in mourning for her late husband; her husband was abusive toward her; and Vorkosigan enemies are spreading rumors that Miles was implicit in the husband's death.

In her science fiction / romantic comedy "A Civil Campaign", Lois McMaster Bujold takes the reader through this adventure. She intertwines the main story with several others - a noblewoman who undergoes gender reassignment surgery in order to claim an open Countship (only males are eligible for this honor); a business started by Miles's clone/brother Mark to produce and market dairy products from genetically-engineered insects; and the upcoming wedding of the Galactic Emperor. Bujold cleverly ties together all these stories in the end.

This is mostly a lighthearted romantic comedy; but it also tackles some serious issues around gender roles. Bujold provides us with numerous examples of strong, independent women trying to navigate a patriarchal society. And there is moral philosophy: "Reputation is what other people know about you. Honor is what you know about yourself."

It has been a couple years since I set aside Bujold's series of books on the future universe inhabited by Miles Vorkosigan. I am glad I did. Reading this book felt like a reunion with old friends.