Title: The Martian
Author: Andy Weir
What I think so far: The Martian follows a trend I seem to partake in quite frequently: having a book on my want-to-read list for a long time, but only actually starting it having seen the movie. Sometimes this is my downfall, as I can’t fully appreciate the novel whilst comparisons to the movie are spinning around in my head. But thanks to Weir’s compelling writing style, this doesn’t seem to have been a problem this time around.
Mark Watney may well be the greatest fictional narrator I have come across. Brilliantly witty, fiercely intelligent and painfully blunt, Watney makes being stranded on Mars less a tragedy and more a wonderful adventure. I am personally fascinated by space, but could by no means call myself an expert; luckily for the non-scientists amongst us Weir manages to explain Watney’s science in layman’s terms, without patronising his reader or making these explanations seem completely unrealistic to Watney’s character.
Would I recommend: Absolutely. The Martian is both fascinating and sharply funny, and it may be impossible not to fall in love with Mark Watney by the end of the first page. Not only that, but it strikes the perfect balance between a gripping page-turner and a light, easy read.
Rating: 9/10
Words by Amie Bailey
@amiebailey