And it gives you something to point to when you speak to people who just don’t know what undergoing a panic attack is like. It lets you know that you are not alone, that other people experience these feelings too. There is something so powerful in seeing those struggles reflected in fiction, portrayed empathetically. Seeing some of the things I’ve struggled with explored in science fiction and with such depth, empathy and bravery was incredibly cathartic. But beyond that I found the experience of reading it incredibly powerful. Planetfall made me cry on the train, it left me emotionally exhausted and troubled. However, I found it a difficult novel to read. I very much enjoyed Newman’s prose, her rich descriptions and well drawn characters, and the kinetic plot that drags the reader in and keeps them guessing until the devastating big reveal. For any reader who also suffers from any of these conditions, it is an incredibly powerful and uncomfortable reading experience. Planetfall’s protagonist and viewpoint character, Renata Ghali, suffers from these conditions, and Newman embeds the reader in her experiences. But far more strikingly it is an unflinching and discomforting exploration of anxiety, depression and obsessive compulsive behaviour. It explores the potential of 3-D printing technology in building sustainable habitats on alien worlds.
Emma Newman’s Planetfall is a smartly written and engaging science fiction tale that interrogates ideas around privilege and faith. This is not going to be an easy article to write. Just frightened, insecure little things millions of miles from home.ĭisclaimer: I’ve found it impossible to talk about this book without talking about spoilers and my mental health. They may be scientists and experts and handpicked from thousands of hopefuls vying for every single place on Atlas, but they’re just people. “Mack understands these people far too well.
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