The Wanderer, by Meg Howrey

Space travel has been outsourced to the private sector and Prime Space has carefully selected a team of three astronauts for a real time simulation of the first manned mission to Mars. American Helen Kane, Russian Sergei Kuznetsov and Japanese Yoshihiro Tanaka have trained to the nth degree, but the simulation is an extreme test of their training, teamwork, skills and fortitude. If they pass the test, as judged by a team of Prime observers, they get to do it all over again on the real mission to Mars. The story is told from alternating points of view of a large cast – the three astronauts, psychologist observer Luke and three family members – Helen’s adult daughter Mireille, Sergei’s adolescent son Dmitri and Yoshi’s wife Madoka. All have their individual journeys of exploration, which are beautifully contrasted with the tale of pioneering space exploration. The science underpinning the story is convincing without being overwhelming and the intricate examinations of characters, relationships and motivations are fascinating. Astronauts are indeed extraordinary humans and The Wanderer celebrates them without deifying them or ignoring their flaws. Their story is challenging, engaging and deeply satisfying.