Andy Weir, famed author of The Martian, has carved out a unique place among the greats of science fiction. He has single-handedly created his own sub-genre, which I can best describe as “witty serious.” Hard sci-fi and funny sci-fi rarely go hand in hand, but Weir somehow makes it work. He treats readers to protagonists and supporting characters that “know their stuff” while also being hilariously relatable.
Enter Ryland Grace, the main character from Weir’s latest novel, Project Hail Mary. Ryland is a grade school teacher who doesn’t curse, putting him in stark contrast to Mark Watney. There is a wholesomeness to his character that is impossible not to root for, especially when the story throws the proverbial kitchen sink at him.
Speaking of which, it wouldn’t be an Andy Weir story without a nerve-racking crisis that needs resolving. Ryland wakes up aboard a government spaceship with a nasty bout of amnesia. His crewmates are dead and it becomes frightfully apparent that he’s on a suicide mission to save the human species. What plays out is nail-biting adventure filled with dread, mystery, and of course, a healthy dose of science.
This story really has everything. It’s part psychological suspense, part buddy comedy, part political thriller, and part “fun science experiments to do in space.” I also really enjoyed the dual narrative of dealing with the current problem while slowly recovering from the amnesia. There are many “aha” moments along the way, along with a few “WTF” moments that compel you to read faster.
And then there’s Rocky. I freaking love Rocky. (No spoilers.)
What unfolds is a satisfying romp that ends with a jaw-dropping twist that I never saw coming. And despite the constant dread, Project Hail Mary has more heart than most romance novels. It left me with a mixture of relief and elation, something that I rarely get from the science fiction genre. I must applaud Weir for creating such a rich affability within these characters. It proves that you don’t need a gruff misfit to create an epic space adventure.
