In Review: Project Hail Mary
Who knew I would read the book before the movie was even out? I didn’t. At this point, Andy Weir doesn’t need an introduction. If you read sci-fi, you know who he is. The writer of The Martian is back in outer space with his newest novel, Project Hail Mary. The book has already been picked up to be turned into a movie with Ryan Gosling as the protagonist. And while I was looking forward to it, right now, I’m not so much. There’s no way Hollywood can produce a movie as good as this book.
Title: Project Hail Mary Author: Andy Weir Publication year: 2021 Length: 16 hours 10 minutes Genre: Mystery, Hard Sci-fi Pace: Medium Story focus: Character & Plot
The less you know about this novel, the better. The main character wakes up in a spaceship without any recollection of how he got there. To make matters worse, he discovers his two astronaut companions are dead. So, he’s all alone. In space. With no memory. It’s going to be a fun ride to remember it all.
Project Hail Mary is Andy Weir’s best novel yet. So far, I’ve read everything he has published, and this one is my favourite. I was smiling at the book from ear to ear. I never thought jazz hands could make me so happy. For a large portion of the story, it’s very lighthearted despite such a terrifying scenario. But if there’s something Andy Weir can do, it’s to write the most hopeful astronaut stories. While the stakes are high and dangerous, it always feels like everything will be okay.
I found this book to be perfect for any animal lover. I know it sounds strange how it can be related, but trust me. As I was reading and getting all giddy, I realised the story appealed to my animal-loving side. Imagine a relationship with an animal when you’re both equals and curious to understand, share and care for each other. Not exactly from the perspective of owning a pet, but instead a mutual respect to allow the animal their personality and liberty as you have your own and both exist in the same space. If this piques your interest, then good, because then you’ll read the book and understand what I mean.
The science this time is much more accessible. Having an MC as a science teacher meant he explained the science in a more approachable way. I felt like I was back at school, listening to my science teacher explaining physics, chemistry and biology and the different experiments one can do. I felt I was there with him, helping and learning. The science is far easier to understand than the one in The Martian. I didn’t feel like the author just dumped a bunch of science info that I have no clue what it means.
I loved the MC in the beginning. It was refreshing to see the lack of testosterone. I’ve heard him being described as similar to Robert Langdon, which I agree with until a certain point. The MC is funnier, while Langdon maintains a more serious posture. But both have that calm male energy. They don’t feel the need to whip out their willies to measure “who’s the man”. And having a male character like that is very soothing and enjoyable. Although things change. I felt the character lost itself further down the road. And I started to dislike some of his actions.
He became cocky, arrogant, and even rude. Suddenly, he was THE man. And so much of what I liked about him fell to the ground. All the problems the mission faces are caused by him. What goes wrong comes from his lack of care and attention, either because of arrogance or just a slip of intelligence. I wouldn’t mind it if it wasn’t accompanied by his new personality.
I enjoy the humour and sarcasm Andy Weir keeps bringing to his characters. That’s something I expect to find in his books. And this one was no different. Although, while I enjoy his characters to some extent, I feel like characterisation is his weakest suit. In The Martian, Artemis and now Project Hail Mary, I can think of details in the characters I wish were improved. It doesn’t take away all my enjoyment of his books, but also it doesn’t allow me to love them wholeheartedly.
There was also mention of some social topics and positions the character supported that felt were there just for pleasing people. The topics are brought up, but he doesn’t take the time to reflect on them. To say why it’s important to support them. And so, it looks like those things are just there to make the character look better, to be a better person, to be “woke”. But if it’s something not relevant to the story or isn’t used as social commentary, why put it there? It just ends up sounding fake.
So, while it’s my favourite book from the author, it’s not my favourite ever. The character shift towards the end did annoy me a little. Whenever he was rude without a reason other than being grumpy like a tired child, it took away from my enjoyment of the story. I also don’t know if there is any satisfying ending to a book like this. I think this is the best possible Happy Ever After, but it doesn’t satisfy me to the fullest. But then again, I don’t know if any ending would. Maybe only another book exploring other perspectives could fix this feeling.
Either way, it’s a journey I wouldn’t take back. I enjoyed myself a lot, even despite anything I liked less. There are a lot of good aspects to the story that make it worth reading. I can’t wait for the movie to come out and ruin everything. But until then… jazz hands!
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