Marsbound
Joe Haldeman
304 pp. Ace. $24.95
Reviewed by Paul Stotts
“People who don’t know us might wonder why a kid with jet-black hair would be named Red.” – Carmen Dula, “Marsbound”
Unfortunately, this horrible instance of parental naming abuse continues as Carmen and her husband further add to Red’s future teenage angst by giving him the middle name “Mayfly”. In a way, “Marsbound” by Joe Haldeman is the story behind this unique naming. (And with a name like Red Mayfly, only a very good story would justify it.) Luckily, “Marsbound” is a very good story. It’s a simple, unpretentious first-contact styled sci-fi yarn that features an interesting take on Martian evolution. Not overly scientific, “Marsbound” is quite accessible to the casual science fiction reader providing a beautiful flowing narrative and minimal amounts of infodumps or exposition.
Written in the first person perspective of eighteen-year-old Carmen Dula, “Marsbound” starts with Carmen’s departure from Earth. Carmen and her family, which includes her parents who are both scientists and her younger brother Card, have been selected to journey to Mars and live there for at least five years. Like a lot of teenagers, Carmen is not particularly happy about leaving her life on Earth for the uncertainty and danger of living on Mars. (What do you mean there is no Internet? And where is the nearest Sephora?) On the eve of her departure, Carmen meets Paul Collins, the pilot of the John Carter of Mars which will transport her and her family to their eventual destination. Paul and Carmen hit it off and it isn’t too long in the journey before a romantic relationship ensues between them.
Finally arriving on Mars, Carmen receives a chilly reception from the antagonistic general administrator of the colony, Dargo Solingen. Dargo does not approve of the relationship between Paul and Carmen, and sets about keeping a strict eye on Carmen. Carmen chafes at this unwanted scrutiny, and one night she decides to get away from it all, exiting the colony so she can roam around the Martian landscape. Without any warning, an accident befalls Carmen and she finds herself stuck in a cave, unable to move, and slowly running out of oxygen. Miraculously, she is saved by an alien who heals her before returning her to the colony.
On her return, Carmen’s story about Martians is met with anticipated skepticism, particularly by Dargo. However little does she know, Carmen has brought back an infection which endangers the health of the community. The only hope eventually will be the Martians that Carmen claims live underground. But will she be able to convince them to help her and the others? And if she can secure their help, what other surprises do the Martians have in store for the colonists of Mars?
Easily the most impressive aspect of “Marsbound” is Haldeman’s expressive and smooth writing style. Simple in nature, the story flows easily and naturally, and the first-person characterization of the eighteen-year-old Carmen is dead-on. This is Carmen’s story, and that is clear throughout. The other characterizations are not nearly as well-defined. Interestingly, not much insight is given into the characters of her parents or her younger brother Card. Card, in particular, could have used a more expanded treatment in the novel, if only, to balance the presentation given by his sister’s narration. It might have proven intriguing to see the story from another viewpoint, and Haldeman has the characters to do this. However that would be an addition, and doesn’t detract from the story that is already here.
I don’t want to give too much away about some of the evolutionary aspects of the Martians since these are integral to the plot, but Haldeman does probably the most interesting speculative work in this area. Haldeman’s biological speculations are what raise “Marsbound” above an average first-contact type story, and completely justify the book as being a worthwhile read. That said, there is nothing particularly mind-blowing or awe-inspiring about “Marsbound” either. Ultimately, it’s a really solid novel (which is the very least you would expect from Joe Haldeman), and if some of the adult content (mostly sexual) had been removed, “Marsbound” would have made an impressive young adult book.
The stylistic simplicity of “Marsbound” reminds me of John Scalzi’s work, particularly his latest novel “Zoe’s Tale”. Both are easily accessible to mainstream audiences, have entertaining young female protagonists who embark on exciting adventures, and really have a beautiful flow to the narratives. There is more science in “Marsbound” than in Scalzi’s novel, but I can imagine Haldeman’s novel would appeal to fans of “Zoe’s Tale”. Both are fun, fast-paced, well-written and will keep you entertained.
Last Word:
“Marsbound” is a fine example of that science fiction staple, the first-contact-with-Martians story. Well executed and smoothly composed, the novel is an entertainment powerhouse, featuring a slick first-person characterization and cool biology. Solid in every aspect, Haldeman creates a story that never suffers a misstep or makes a wrong choice, and is really accessible to a broad audience. Haldeman scores once again, “Marsbound” is a clear winner.
Final Grade: 74 out of 100
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