Il Rosso di Marte

i was surprised by how much i enjoyed this book. often with harder scifi i find myself rolling my eyes at the techno-optimism of the author. usually some version of technology can save humans from themselves if put it just the right hands. i see robinson using the theme of technological advancement as a way to talk about capitalism and how science is intertwined with state and corporate interests, how this necessarily determines the shape of technologies as such as new means of exploitation. the counterpoint is this profound potentiality of mars as a place, from the beginning characters discussing that they can shrug away the yoke of capitalist and national interests and disagreeing on the way to get there. there are questions posed as to the different forms that can be created in the context of autonomy. i appreciate robinsons attention to detail at times painting the landscape from word to word in a way that can entrance the reader. i also adored each character, finding them realistic and relatable without giving everything away. you can feel the way that characters struggle to understand themselves as much as each other and its amazing how low stakes drama can relate to conflict on an even interplanetary scale. i look forward to reading the sequels