I never knew that my life would change forever that day. It started like any other birthday. I got some presents, some fuss, and a nice time was had by all. But little did I know that one fairly unassuming gift among the pile – a new book – would go on to make such an impact on me. But then, Project Hail Mary has surprised everyone I’ve given it to since it first blew me away.
Project Hail Mary is only the third full novel by author Andy Weir, best known for writing The Martian, a hit survival story which was turned into a smash film starring Matt Damon. I read a lot of books, and the kind of novel I like best is a good page turner. Thrillers, with lots of action, suspense and a good mystery to unravel. I’m not really into science fiction, always assuming anything set in space is going to be a bit niche and far-fetched.
This book is anything but. It tells the story of a lone astronaut who wakes up on a space shuttle, with no memory of how he got there.
As the book’s blurb explains: “Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission – and if he fails, humanity and the earth itself will perish.
“But right now, he doesn’t know that. All he knows is that he’s been asleep for a very, very long time, and he’s just woken up to find himself hurtling through space, millions of miles from home.
“It’s up to him to puzzle out an impossible scientific mystery, and he’s got to do it all alone… or does he?”.
At its core, it’s effectively a mystery meets survival struggle, but there’s so much more under the surface, waiting to be discovered, posing questions about the very nature of our existence as humans – all the while delivered by a funny, light hearted protagonist.
Ever since I read it, I’ve gifted it to everyone I know who’s even vaguely interested in reading, and they all agreed – it’s the best book they’ve ever read, too.
Online consensus agrees too. Posting on Reddit’s R/Rational forum, one person said: “Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary is a masterpiece.
“Project Hail Mary is excellent. Much more similar to The Martian, but with some fantastic differences. It’s some of the best, hardest sci-fi I’ve read in a long time. I haven’t finished it just yet but…do yourself a favor and pick it up if that’s your kind of thing.”
Another replied: “Yes, yes, yes! I came here to find people who love this book and I am not disappointed!
“I loved The Martian (Like, literally my favourite book I have ever read) thought Artemis was good. I decided when I first heard about Project Hail Mary I would want it so when the release day came I bought an ebook without reading the back flap or anything. I basically just knew it was a space book, ‘the fate of humanity rests on a lone astronaut’ or whatever.
“This book was amazing! I have been recommending it constantly to all my friends for the last week and I barely slept one night I was so engrossed reading it.”
Critics agree too – the book is rated 4.5 out of 5 on Goodreads, and has a 4.8 average reader review.
The Guardian, in its review, said: “My own deficiencies had me skimming over the calculations, but this is still the most enjoyable hard SF I have read in years: funny, well plotted and full of surprises. In addition to enjoying the cracking story, it was a pleasure to read about people relying on logic and science as the best way to solve problems.”
