Project Hail Mary

"Am I barreling toward the sun, or away from it? It's almost academic. I'm either on a collision course with the sun or on my way out to deep space with no hope of returning. Or, I might be headed in the sun's general direction, but not on a collision course. If that's the case, I'll miss the sun … and then fly off into deep space with no hope of returning."

Project Hail Mary is the third novel by American author and self-confessed space nerd, Andy Weir. When he first emerges from the coma, he has no idea where he is, or how or why. It seems to be a spaceship, he's the sole survivor of a crew of three, and the onboard computer is insisting he proffers his name before allowing access to certain areas, but he can't remember that either.

"This is like being in a video game. Explore the area until you find a locked door, then look for the key. But instead of searching bookshelves and garbage cans, I have to search my mind. Because the "key" is my own name."

His memory is spotty, coming in fits and starts; gradually, the fact that he's a junior high science teacher reveals itself; he's Dr. Ryland Grace, formerly a microbiologist who spent his career working up theoretical models for alien life. And he's a long, long way from San Francisco.

The "what" Grayson remembers fairly quickly: a dire problem facing his home planet, and the importance of his mission is clear, a mission to save mankind. The "how" poses a challenge that his scientific mind relishes. When Grayson recalls the "why" that has placed him on the Hail Mary instead of a highly-trained astronaut, he's dismayed and angry. What is quickly obvious is that he is facing a suicide mission. All alone.

Except it turns out he's not.

More is difficult to reveal without spoilers, but Weir has neatly constructed a narrative in which flashbacks/memories slowly reveal the exact how and why, but also just what the ship is equipped with and can do. Weir gives the reader sci-fi that doesn't get too bogged down with dense sci-facts but is interesting and thought-provoking.

Weir's protagonist is a delight, smart and resourceful; his ever-inquiring mind and excellent deductive powers see him maintain his optimism that he will complete his vital mission. Ultimately, Grayson surprises himself. He's also got a great sense of humour, so his inner monologue, asides to the computer and other conversations entertain:

"The computer finishes its boot process and brings up a screen I've never seen before. I can tell it means trouble, because the word "TROUBLE" is in large type across the top."

This is a tale with an action plot, twists and surprises, featuring a planet Earth where greenhouse gases are welcome and the Sahara is covered in foil. There are philosophical discussions on behaviour and intelligence, lots of space walks, vodka, beetles and five-legged spiders, laugh-out-loud moments and the odd lump in the throat. Brilliantly funny, clever and original sci-fi.

This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Random House UK Cornerstone