SF Novel Masterpiece Collection: When the Sky Falls, We Reach for the Stars – The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal

Oh, where to begin with the charms of The Calculating Stars? Its allure, I find, lies not merely in its clever alternate history premise, but in its meticulous attention to detail and its deeply human heart. Kowal, with her background in aerospace, infuses the narrative with an authenticity that makes the science and the engineering feel utterly believable, even thrilling. One truly feels the cramped confines of the early space capsules, the intense pressure of a launch, and the terrifying beauty of Earth seen from above.

But beyond the rivets and rocket fuel, it’s the characters who truly elevate this novel. Dr. Elma York, our intrepid protagonist, is a force to be reckoned with: a brilliant mathematician and former WWII pilot, now longing to be an astronaut. Her journey, fraught with societal prejudice and personal doubt, is utterly captivating. It’s a gentle reminder that true heroism often lies not in grand gestures, but in persistent, quiet determination against a backdrop of immense challenge. The wit and wisdom woven into the narrative are simply delightful, offering moments of levity amidst the gravitas.

Beneath the thrilling veneer of the space race, The Calculating Stars offers a rich tapestry of themes for us to ponder. At its core, it’s a powerful narrative about gender equality and the breaking of barriers. Elma and her fellow “Lady Astronauts” face systemic sexism, being told their very biology precludes them from space travel. The novel unflinchingly portrays the frustrating, often infuriating, microaggressions and overt discrimination they endure. Yet, it also celebrates their unwavering resolve and the camaraderie that blossoms among them as they fight for their rightful place among the stars. It serves as a poignant reminder that even in humanity’s greatest hour of need, our petty prejudices can still hold us back – a rather sobering thought, wouldn’t you agree?

Furthermore, the story beautifully explores the concept of hope in the face of despair. The initial meteor strike is an apocalyptic event, yet humanity responds not with resignation, but with an astonishing, collective will to survive and thrive, even if it means leaving their home planet behind. It speaks to a profound human capacity for adaptation and innovation, reminding us that even from the ashes of disaster, new beginnings can emerge.

When we look at The Calculating Stars, it certainly offers a compelling lens through which to compare various SF themes. Unlike more dystopian narratives, this novel offers a surprisingly optimistic take on humanity’s response to catastrophe. Instead of succumbing to chaos, society organises, albeit imperfectly, around a shared goal of survival. This contrasts sharply with, say, the bleak futures often depicted in post-apocalyptic fiction, where humanity frequently devolves into tribalism.

Moreover, the emphasis on grounded, plausible science, despite the alternate history, places it firmly in the “hard science fiction” camp, reminiscent of Arthur C. Clarke’s works where the technology, while advanced, feels within reach. Yet, it marries this scientific rigor with a deeply human story of overcoming social injustice, making it a richer, more emotionally resonant experience than some purely technological narratives. It beautifully blends the ‘sense of wonder’ with a keen sense of social commentary, making it a truly layered piece of work. For another excellent example of alternate history with a compelling social commentary, one might explore works like The Yiddish Policemen’s Union.

While The Calculating Stars is a fictional work, it subtly highlights the real-world organisations and concepts that underpin such ambitious endeavours. Of course, the novel’s ‘International Aerospace Coalition’ and ‘Earth First’ movements are fictional constructs, but they draw clear parallels to historical entities like NASA and various environmental and social advocacy groups. The book reminds us that grand projects like space exploration aren’t just about rockets and astronauts; they’re about the immense logistical, political, and social machinery required to make them happen. It’s a testament to human ingenuity, but also to the complex interplay of human will and established structures.

Given the themes of The Calculating Stars, one cannot help but ponder the latest developments in space exploration and the role of AI. We are, after all, in an era where private companies are increasingly joining the ranks of national space agencies, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. From reusable rockets to ambitious plans for lunar bases and Martian colonies, the dreams depicted in Kowal’s novel are perhaps not so far-fetched after all.

And AI? Well, AI is becoming an indispensable tool in everything from mission planning to data analysis, making complex calculations and simulations possible at speeds unimaginable in Elma York’s time. It’s a fascinating contrast, isn’t it, between Elma’s impressive mental computing and the vast capabilities of modern AI? One can only imagine what the “computers” in The Calculating Stars (who, rather charmingly, were largely human women) could have achieved with today’s computational power! It’s a fascinating convergence of humanity’s enduring desire to explore and the ever-advancing technological means to do so.