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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
I'm giving this book a 3 because it was definitely "wrong place, wrong time" for me. This should have been absolutely my thing, but I really struggled with all the bickering and politics.
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
A good start but quickly bogged down. Absolutely none of the characters are likeable, and there is a severe lack of dimension in the character building. Ultimately, very disappointing.
I have to be honest, I nearly gave up on this book many times. The only reason I got through it is because I was listening to the audiobook and could do other things while I listened to it. It was 24 hours long. I ultimately mostly liked it and probably will continue on to the next one (thank you library) but it is a tough one. I find the idea of travelling to Mars and colonizing Mars to be an interesting concept. I don’t mind political science fiction either. But boy this can be dense. I also for the most part did not like most of the characters. Maya’s entire characterization was the embodiment of an emotionally unstable shrew, who supposedly was deemed competent enough to lead the expedition. And the only actual leadership we saw from her was at the very very end of the novel. Nadia I did like, she was an interesting super mechanic who can solve any problem. But really she was the only one. I’m interested to see where the story goes, but would I recommend it? Not unless you like long long long sections of scientific explanations, repeated descriptions of basically the same scenery, and borderline stupid or one-dimensional characters. If you want to read a very in-depth and we’ll researched projection of how colonization of Mars could go, then go for it.
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An immense novel, dense with both science fiction and humanity. This is the story of future Mars.
I am especially fond of the range of narrative that Robinson entertains. He shifts easily and smoothly from the most intimate moments of an individual experience (inner turmoil, heartache, despair) to incredibly vast timeframes and overarching themes (the evolution of cultural pockets, physical global changes, political shifts across two planets). It is commendable that these themes and the central characters remain distinguishable across such a vast scale of time and place.
That said, I did find myself glossing over some of the more elaborate details of the engineering efforts and ecological speculation (ahem, hello, Sax) but I found it very powerful and intriguing when it was comprehendible. I blame my own lack of familiarity with the subjects for not being more clearly understood - but even when lost in the details I was still able to grasp the intentions - so kudos again to Robinson for his written skill.
The story begins simply enough. One hundred prized scientists are selected to be the first colonists on Mars. They arrive with pure intentions to study the planet and determine its viability as a resource for the overpopulated and under-resourced Earth.
Foreshadowing the unavoidable - the 100 scientists break into distinctly divided factions even before reaching the Martian surface. In time these individuals and groups become voices of greater conflict - acting as overt leaders or inadvertent representatives for the two entangled planets and their varied populations.
"Reds" demand environmental protection of Mars in its found-state to allow for geological study, the search for Martian life, so on. Meanwhile capitalistic ventures and terraforming efforts proceed regardless of unified decisions. Inevitable conflicts arise as the needs and desires of the majority overrule the opinion of the few.
Moment by moment the climate shifts - power, politics, culture, and the fate of Mars.
--
I'll leave the plot summary at that. One final note only to mention that this is one part of a trilogy but you can walk away at the end of Red Mars fully satiated. Or you can jump into Green Mars and continue the story. Your choice.
I am especially fond of the range of narrative that Robinson entertains. He shifts easily and smoothly from the most intimate moments of an individual experience (inner turmoil, heartache, despair) to incredibly vast timeframes and overarching themes (the evolution of cultural pockets, physical global changes, political shifts across two planets). It is commendable that these themes and the central characters remain distinguishable across such a vast scale of time and place.
That said, I did find myself glossing over some of the more elaborate details of the engineering efforts and ecological speculation (ahem, hello, Sax) but I found it very powerful and intriguing when it was comprehendible. I blame my own lack of familiarity with the subjects for not being more clearly understood - but even when lost in the details I was still able to grasp the intentions - so kudos again to Robinson for his written skill.
The story begins simply enough. One hundred prized scientists are selected to be the first colonists on Mars. They arrive with pure intentions to study the planet and determine its viability as a resource for the overpopulated and under-resourced Earth.
Foreshadowing the unavoidable - the 100 scientists break into distinctly divided factions even before reaching the Martian surface. In time these individuals and groups become voices of greater conflict - acting as overt leaders or inadvertent representatives for the two entangled planets and their varied populations.
"Reds" demand environmental protection of Mars in its found-state to allow for geological study, the search for Martian life, so on. Meanwhile capitalistic ventures and terraforming efforts proceed regardless of unified decisions. Inevitable conflicts arise as the needs and desires of the majority overrule the opinion of the few.
Moment by moment the climate shifts - power, politics, culture, and the fate of Mars.
--
I'll leave the plot summary at that. One final note only to mention that this is one part of a trilogy but you can walk away at the end of Red Mars fully satiated. Or you can jump into Green Mars and continue the story. Your choice.
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
informative
tense
slow-paced