Think you’re having a bad day? Mark Watney’s is worse. Trust me.
Believing him to be dead after an accident, Mark’s crew have left him on Mars, for fear of endangering their own lives. Which leaves him alive . . . but alone. Unable to communicate with his crew or anyone back on Earth, Mark must figure out how to survive all by himself. The food and air supplies on the planet will only keep him alive for so long and it’s up to Mark to figure out a way home.
If he doesn’t run out of air or starve first.
The Martian is a fascinating story, following Mark’s journey as he is forced into a life of solitude with only what his crew have left behind. There are old TV shows to watch, Disco music to listen to and potatoes to plant – if he can just get the soil right.
An incredibly compelling and tense story, the real strength of The Martian lies in the hilarity. Mark is the kind of person who makes jokes out of even the most serious of situations – and they don’t get more serious than this. Yet he is also incredibly practical and can do an impressive amount of work with some space glue and a few potatoes!
This book has an incredibly cinematic feel to it so it’s no surprise that a film adaptation is currently in the works, with Matt Damon cast as Mark Watney and Ridley Scott lined up to direct. The story has massive scope and a real adventurous feel, but at its heart is Mark Watney and his constant battles with the planet he must call home.
The Martian is a truly unique story, joyous and full of wonder – and as compelling as it is hilarious.
[usr=4] The Martian by Andy Weir is available to buy now.
