Well-researched and credible, this 10-year-plus old novel about the first human explorers on Mars leaves the reader feeling, perhaps, less entertained than educated. This is not a gripe—just an observation. The Martian Race is not an escapist lark; it’s rock-hard science fiction, carefully grounded in scientific method, enlivened with characters who behave like scientists, and peppered with passages of scientific exposition.
If you’re jonesing for Space Opera, there’s no reason to linger here. I’m tempted to say that this is book is better suited to readers of mainstream fiction who might just have an interest in Mars exploration than it is to Sci-Fi fans inured to the conventions of the genre. Readers will encounter: some suspense, not much “action,” plenty of details on the planet’s environment, and some thoughtful insights on human nature. The ending is cleverly illuminated by speculations on how Earth’s dominant species might learn a valuable lesson from the survival strategies adopted by Martian life.
If you’re worried that this decade-old story might be too dated, in light of recent events in Mars exploration, don’t be. There has probably never been a better time to pick up this book.
The Martian Race by Gregory Benford
Originally posted 19 Nov 2012 on Google+