An international trio of astronauts are scheduled to take the first manned mission to Mars. Before they go though, Prime Space, the organization running the mission, puts them through a hyper-realistic 17-month long simulation. While the astronauts navigate interpersonal politics inside the simulation, their friends and family outside struggle with being left behind.

So, if you’re looking for a space adventure, this book isn’t it. If you’re looking for a character study set against a potential incredible human achievement, here is your book. This book is measured and thoughtful and a deep exploration of the many emotions tied to humans attempting something bigger than themselves.

The atmosphere of this book reminded me of Mary Doris Russell’s SPARROW series. Not in terms of content, not at all, but in the overarching sense of dread and confusion.

Pretty soon after the simulation begins, it becomes apparent that there is a high likelihood that there is no simulation, but the astronauts and unknowingly on the actual mission already. It felt obvious to me, but as the characters became aware of this possibility and began to distrust each other and themselves, I became unsure as well. It’s a really fantastic look at how quickly things that seemed solidly real can begin to dissolve.