The only exposure I had to Andy Weir prior to listening to this audio book was watching the movie adaptation of The Martian, which I really enjoyed. But I had heard mixed things about Andy Weir’s writing so I wasn’t sure what to expect. This novel delivered way beyond my expectations. In fact, it is one of the very best science fiction novels I have ever read.
I tend to be critical more often than not in my reviews, but I can’t really think of anything to criticize here. The concept is compelling. The writing, especially the way the author develops the narrator’s voice and maintains it throughout the novel is excellent from a pure writing craftmanship perspective. The character development is also top notch, including the alien character in the novel. It was interesting how the author introduced a really serious character flaw into Ryland Grace, the story’s main protagonist, about three quarters of the way into the novel, but at this point the reader got to know Ryland so well that it didn’t crush his character as it might have had this same information been revealed earlier. Then Ryland has a redemption arc fulfilled by the end of the novel.
Normally, I’m not too into the hard science in a novel, and much of this was above my head, but the author did a really good job of explaining the science in the novel that made what was happening more understandable and enjoyable. And the narrator for the audio version did an amazing job as well, adding to the experience. This is an excellent novel that I would highly recommend.
