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In late September 2028, the adventure that seventeen-year-old Michael and his sisters, Meital and Shirel, have spent most of their lives preparing for finally begins as they embark on a ten-month-long spaceflight to Mars. Traveling with them on their habitat ship, the Providence, are their mother, Dana, their friends Denver and Omar, and four other families. Michael's father was among the first to colonize the Red Valley on Mars, although Michael's excitement at their impending reunion is overshadowed by his father's ongoing illness and steadily weakening state. However, Michael is quickly swept up in the busyness of life aboard ship. Each passenger, from adults down to the youngest children, has a unique and critical role to play, and follows a strict daily schedule with responsibilities divided amongst themselves. As the days progress, Michael learns that even the simplest daily activities, such as washing dishes, cooking, exercising, and using the bathroom, are complicated endeavors when done in zero gravity. Despite the challenges, he initially embraces this new life with gusto, taking to his tasks with the same enthusiasm he shows for his advanced studies in science and religion. He finds his place within this small community, as they come together to celebrate holidays, share meals, and impart wisdom to one another.
However, the close-knit family atmosphere—and Michael's composure—are soon put to the test. Michael battles anxiety and panic attacks, doubting the life choices that brought him to this journey. His sisters and Denver also face their own demons. Disagreements, equipment failure, a proton storm, and unexpected tragedy shake the small community as they steadily make their way to their destination to "found a new branch of human civilization."
This work is a testament to human resilience, creativity, and intelligence. It is densely packed with scientific explanations, making it at first difficult to immerse oneself in the story. However, Michael and the rest of the crew are undeniably relatable and quickly ease their way into the reader's heart. The characters initially seem one-dimensional; however, their personal growth and multidimensionality become evident as more challenges are introduced. By the end of the novel, the reader will be laughing, mourning, and celebrating right along with the Providence's crew as they reach Red Valley.
The two most compelling aspects of this novel are the thoroughness with which the author addresses space travel and the deep assessment of an adolescent astronaut's psyche. The author considers multiple levels of planning for interplanetary settlement, including, but not limited to, vermiculture to create soil for farming, innovative methods for radiation protection, and the utilization of water and waste product disposal during spaceflight. The author brings into discussion everything from astrophysics, agriculture, and mechanical engineering to Hozian economics and Jewish Talmud teachings, demonstrating an incredible wealth of knowledge that is fascinating to read. Compounding this, he illustrates how space travel can raise new ethical and religious questions, as well as foster deep personal growth. Michael's battle with anxiety and the psychological struggles and losses of others on board invoke a visceral response. In all, this is a stunning exploration of space travel. Moreover, it is an exploration of what it means to be human. Teller has written a truly marvelous work.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
A 2025 Eric Hoffer Book Award Nominated Book