The Martian, by Andy Weir

The Martian.

The Martian.

It is a science fiction novel written by fellow software developer and theorist, Andy Weir. El marciano it provides a fairly fluent reading, despite the abundant scientific detail present throughout much of its 400 pages. The plot centers on the botanist and mechanical engineer, Mark Watney, one of the first six people to walk on the surface of Mars in the history of man. Reading this book recalls, almost immediately, the renowned HG Wells.

When the narration begins, the protagonist is sure that he will be the first human to die there, on Mars.. This after being abandoned by his companions (who believed him dead) due to a fierce sandstorm. However, the bleak outlook fails to break Watney's will. Thanks to his high doses of courage, wit and good humor, the character manages to create a feasible chance of survival. This is a recommended reading for young people, both for its plot and for its great settings.

About the Author

Andrew Taylor Weir was born in Davis, California, USA, on June 16, 1942. From an early age he demonstrated his talents as a computer programmer. He studied computer science at the University of California (San Diego) and during his youth he worked for prestigious companies such as AOL or Blizzard, among others. In parallel, he developed his passion for writing, as evidenced by the publications on his website.

El marciano is his first book. It was originally self-published in a delivery format (blog style) during 2011. After several modifications - almost all based on commercial suggestions - the author sold the rights to Crown Publishing. This company was in charge of its successful reissue and distribution (in English) from 2014. That same year the Spanish version was launched under the Ediciones B-Nova label.

Most of the reviews around El marciano they have been quite positive. In addition, the popularity of the title increased considerably due to its adaptation to the big screen, directed by Ridley Scott, from a script by Drew Goddard and starring world-class artists such as Matt Damon in the role of Mark Watney opposite Jessica Chastain. representing Commander Lewis, among others.

Andy Weir

Andy Weir

Synopsis of The Martian, by Andy Weir

A desperate and miserable start

It all begins with the protagonist in danger of death and left out in the open.. When the sensors in Mark Watney's suit indicate a rapid loss of oxygen amid an intense sandstorm, his companions on the Ares 3 mission (the first manned to Mars in history) cannot come to his aid and are forced to to abandon him, as they believe that he is dead ... Unfortunately, it is an involuntary mistake: Watney is still alive.

The application of what has been learned

With no seconds to waste, the protagonist needs to quickly figure out how to hermetically seal his suit, which was pierced by the same antenna that dragged it away from the group. Overcome the obstacle, enter the bedrooms, the station equipped for the temporary stay of people on the Martian surface. But, the reasons for optimism are laughable: that was only the first of a huge line of problems to face.

Mark must draw on all of his engineering knowledge in order to survive. and to complete the numerous essential repairs in the laboratory in which he is forced to remain for more than a year and a half. Additionally, Watney's training as a botanist - his main profession - is very timely in creating the conditions for a viable alien culture.

The reactivation of the nexus with the land

Next, Mark must elucidate an effective method of communication with Earth.. A little over a month after the accident, NASA personnel discover that Watney has managed to survive, but his reality is extremely delicate (mainly due to the issue of food, not to mention how complicated a rescue in time would be).

The announcement to the press and the public leads to a media commotion that will accompany the entire mission from that moment on.. In principle, the other occupants of the Hermes —The ship in charge of interplanetary transport— are not informed of the survival and, consequently, precarious circumstances of the companion they left for dead.

The rescue

The turning point occurs when Commander Lewis and the other four members of the mission (Vogel, Beck, Johanssen and Martínez) learn of the situation. Then - in a gesture that could be interpreted as both sacrifice and "redemption" - the crew votes unanimously to execute the complicated rescue of the “comrade left behind”. They do this regardless of whether their decision means extending the journey for at least one year.

The parallel frames, a great hook

The climax contains its own particular "intra-stories". For example, the crucial contribution of the Chinese space program, who decide to park a secret program in order to collaborate without asking for anything in return. But time is short: Watney's seemingly safe food supplies are destroyed due to an accident at the bedrooms.

Analysis and comparison with film adaptation

Little handling of astronomical details

The few critical voices towards Weir's work are based on a rather meager scientific approach from the astronomical point of view. Some opinions even qualify as "disappointing" this aspect of the book and, especially, in the film. Such is the argument of the impressions exposed by the astronomer Beatriz García in her analysis The Martian: about cinema and science (Network for Astronomy School Education, 2015).

However, it is necessary to bear in mind that —probably— having gone deeper into the explanation of physical and mathematical problems, reading El marciano it might not be so entertaining for the general public ... Perhaps it is not a valid justification when compared with the physical theories of the feature film Interstellar (2016), which obtained an excellent reception among the audience, critics and scientists.

Captivating narrative

In any case, there is an undeniable element of storytelling within Mark Watney's story: wit. Only through the accurate application of the scientific method does the main character manage to prevail on the red planet. Otherwise, surviving for more than five hundred days without enough food and water is impossible. Besides, the protagonist begins the story with a significant injury to his hip, something not very encouraging.

The protagonist receives the reader with a phrase that induces an immediate hook: "I'm screwed." Consequently, the merit of the author is to keep the interest to know the facts of the next page, this is based on a powerful human instinct: the impulse to help another person in trouble. It constitutes a feeling of solidarity (even between rival space agencies) clearly and consistently described throughout the book.

Andy Weir quote.

Andy Weir quote.

A very well worked character

In addition, Watney's sincerity, sarcasm, audacity and shrewd sense of humor make his actions a contradictory mix, almost suicidal. In the same paragraph it is possible to feel the optimism, determination and confidence of the protagonist along with phrases such as "if I explode, I will not find out." All these elements create — apart from empathy — an addictive reading.

Of course, amid the disturbing psychological picture created by the possibility of imminent death surrounded by the utter loneliness of a hostile frozen desert, there is room for depression. At those moments, the main character pulls more ironies and mockery towards himself to encourage himself to stay active in the fight to survive.

An end without waste

The closing of the story is a perfect circle. Well, it keeps the expectation to the maximum, as well as the hilarious thoughts of Watney while performing the most extreme maneuvers to save his life, against all odds. For the reasons stated above, El marciano It is a book that has many of the necessary characteristics to be highly recommended.


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