The Martian Contingency by Mary Robinette Kowal

The Lady Astronaut novels, beginning with The calculating stars, winner of the Hugo, Nebula and Locus Awards, have continued to fascinate me with their strong characterisation, as well as the thought-provoking dystopian setting of Earth facing extinction after a devastating meteorite strike. The Martian Contingency finds Elma York, the Lady Astronaut, about to land on Mars, hoping to establish a habitat for Earth’s survivors without the hate and discrimination that has existed on Earth. But as she navigates her way around her new home, several clues lead her to question what may have happened on the first Mars mission. As she poses questions she is faced with a wall of silence. Could this lead to the mission being cancelled?

Kowal explores many issues as Elma settles into her new job as deputy in charge of the mission. She has new responsibilities as a leader and must learn to tread carefully through relationships and the mechanics of running a space station. Racial and gender stereotypes also play an important role in The Martian Contingency and are explored thoughtfully by the author. The setting of Mars and life under the domes is wonderfully described and it is easy to imagine the thrill of landing on its red soil and living through a new time zone. Readers wishing to learn more about space exploration will welcome the bibliography at the end of the book.

Readers who enjoyed the first three novels in the Lady Astronaut series are likely to want to pick up The Martian Contingency, and like me, will enjoy the growth in Elma York’s responsibility and character as well as the gripping action as the new habitat is developed. A satisfying continuation of the series.

Themes: Science fiction, Dystopian fiction.

Pat Pledger