A review by s_sheppard18
The Mars House by Natasha Pulley

adventurous challenging tense 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

4.0

I really loved this book, it had me hooked from the beginning. January is a sweet character with an excellent sense of humor, and his arranged marriage partner is so endearing while also being frustratingly nationalist. It's a book of juxtaposition that shows people aren't always who we think they are, or who they say they are.

I know some reviewers have criticized this book for xenophobia, and while some main characters are absolutely xenophobic, I think it's actually a book about the humanity of the people we disagree with. In such a polarized political world, I think it does a lot of good to consider that someone might have a different political view without actually wanting to hurt the people that they would hurt with legislation based on those views. 

Did the author pull off the story she set out to tell? Almost, but no, I think she bit off a bit more than she could chew, and perhaps could have benefitted from more sensitivity editing before publishing. Did she still write an excellent book that I quite enjoyed, despite some plot holes, bad science, and squicky politics? Yes, absolutely.