Exciting Escapism

• Book: The Martian
• Location: Houston
• Author: Andy Weir

Review Author: Emma

Set in the near future Mark Watney finds himself stranded alone on Mars battling to stay alive until the possibility of rescue 4 years hence. He writes a, often humorous, blog in case he does not live to tell the tale, detailing his survival strategies, and (much more excitingly) how he survives the catastrophes that Mars, with alarming frequency, throws at him.

Meanwhile in Houston, meetings are held and jobs rushed in an attempt to save Mark.

There is quite a lot of science in this book – most of which I skipped through quickly with no idea as to how plausible it was. There is plenty of excitement and suspense to make it worth non-scientists (like me) to continue reading, and the tension just keeps building and building (be careful not to gasp at one point if you’re reading this on a train!).

For the tourist, the insight into the space centre at Houston is minimal, but gives a flavour.
Mars seems a pretty lifeless place.

Science fiction is not a genre I usually read, but I really enjoyed this exciting page turner of a book and total escapism from normal life (mine at least).

There is a film of the book being released late in 2015 – can’t wait to see it!

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