A review by robotswithpersonality
Blue Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson

That was just, So SO MUCH. It appears that the challenge of writing about the long term effects of humanity settling on Mars was no longer enough in this last installment of the trilogy, so Robinson sprinkled in concerns about Earth and then extended out to the rest of our solar system! And of course, it's not just the political ramifications of trade or immigration between Earth and Mars, or the political, economic, infrastructural and environmental situation of Mars, or impact of longevity treatments on population growth in Earth and Mars, or the 'quick decline' or memory issues being experienced by the First Hundred as even longevity treatments are not a guarantee against death or some form of mental/memory deterioration, and then exploring what that looks like and how it might be combatted, or speculating consecutively on how generations of humans would adapt physiologically and alternatively/simultaneously work to artificially modify themselves for an alien climate, there's also the multi-generational cast of characters, so that in the middle of this epic sci fi about colonizing Mars you have what could be termed multiple family sagas also occurring via alternating POVs and cameos. Highlights: Vlad going off on Antar about all the flaws of old capitalist system, having great answers to every tired rebuttal. As always, Nadia's POV, though didn't  love how much she had to deal with political B.S. this time 'round, and Nirgal's POV, especially the visit to Earth, the overwhelmed sense of wonder.  Robinson's descriptions, often aided by a wealth of words for different colours, make environments both familiar and alien come alive. If you want to dig into the scientific and environmental and political what ifs, I think you'll really enjoy this series. Be certain you've got a fairly high tolerance for interpersonal drama, and can survive the 90s heteronormative gender dynamics and high propensity for the female characters to have manipulative, hyperemotional(one might even say hysterical), irrationally obdurate tendencies. ⚠️Child abuse