A review by mmccombs
In Ascension by Martin MacInnes

dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.25

This was such an interesting blend of scifi and plain old fi, an introspective and lonely novel that kind of reminded me of Interstellar and Arrival. I do feel like it didn’t reach its full potential, that it’s themes of circularity and interconnected were not fully realized in its structure. But I liked that we were fully immersed in Leigh’s background and her family, helping us make connections with the science and loftiness of the rest of the novel. I do think we could have either gotten more of her sister’s perspective or none at all, having one section near the end felt kind of disconnected. An interesting Booker pick that I don’t imagine will make it to the shortlist (and maybe it’s designation as a Booker nominee lessened my enjoyment of this book because I think I expected slightly more). But it was very readable, propulsive, and thoughtful, I had a good time reading this one.
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