Always on the lookout for science fiction that I will have an easier time understanding, I stumbled across Cecile Pin's Celestial Lights. An ambitious young man starts on a path that will lead him to become one of the greatest astronauts of our time, but there must be sacrifices along the way.
The Situation: Oliver Ines is born the day the Challenger space shuttle falls out of the sky. Little does he or anyone else know that one day he would be launched into space on an ambitious and historical mission. When he is young he excels at math and science, and eventually receives a prestigious scholarship in order to continue his university studies. After a few years in the navy, Oliver will be given the opportunity to become an astronaut and go to space, something he perhaps had been dreaming about as a kid when he covered his bedroom in glow-in-the-dark wallpaper made to look like the stars. But as Oliver continues to advance his career, his personal relationships take a hit.
The Problem: When Oliver agreed to be one of four astronauts aboard Talos for the Phoenix mission, he knew the risks, including that he would be away for ten years. This means ten years away from his aging parents, as well as ten years away from his wife, and their young son. It is while aboard Talos that he begins to look back over his life: the first time he met his wife, Philly; his days at the university; his time in the Navy; and of course, becoming a husband and father. Oliver does not know what life will be like when he finally does return to Earth, or what all will be waiting for him. But he has made his decision and must focus on the mission.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a science fiction novel set during modern day, moving into the 2030s. In the book, mankind has managed to advance space exploration to the point of sending astronauts to one of Jupiter's moons, Europa, though the journey will take ten years round trip. At the center of the novel is Oliver Ines, the first-person narrator who tells all about his early life, ambitions, experiences, relationships, and finally, his trip to space. Placed between the chapters are entries from the log Oliver kept while in space, showing the interactions on board between the astronauts, including the discussions, arguments, and the difficult decisions that had to be made.
My Verdict: This book is an interesting look at what can lead people to make seemingly impossible decisions, or what can lead them down a path that we may not be able to imagine for ourselves. Oliver is a complicated character in some ways, but in others he is not. He is an ambitious and intelligent and capable man who becomes the commander of a historic space mission, though possibly at a great price. This book manages to look at the situation from several angles, using several characters to do so, including the other astronauts and their families and friends. It is also a picture of the truths (and lies) we are willing to look away from in order to do what we do. This is a short (less than 250 pages) but powerful book with just enough space exploration to satisfy the space-obsessed.
Favorite Moment: There are small moments when Oliver realizes how other people see him, which causes him to re-evaluate his own behavior.
Favorite Character: Oliver's wife Philly does not seem afraid to call things as they are, even if it is painful.
Recommended Reading: Andy Weir's The Martian would be a great follow-up.
No comments:
Post a Comment