The Martian book review

 I read the novel The Martian this week. Except for some technical terms, most of the words are not too difficult. I use to seen the Matt Damon’s movie version, which is probably the best science fiction movie of that year. When I am reading the book, I always compared it to the movie and I thought the movie is a really good adaptation. Especially when shaping the hero Mark's spirit of pursuing rational science, optimism and perseverance. Matt Damon is really my perfect choice for the role.

 

While living alone on Mars, the protagonist Mark had go through a lot of difficulties. Without the aura of the protagonist of the ordinary novel, without the blessing of good luck. Mark's sheer expertise, courage, optimism, and NASA's cooperation helped him survive. I especially appreciate that he can still play humor and make jokes when faced with problems, and deal with unexpected problems with a calm and rational attitude. At the same time, he makes a good represents of the human’s spirit of exploration. Exploring the unknown not only needs knowledge, but also needs optimism, although the protagonist in the novel is in a hopeless situation and experienced repeatedly setbacks, but also let us see a happy mood because of his optimism.

 

There are so many accurate technical details in the novel which makes it difficult to find faults even for expert. Astronauts landing on Mars, building potato sheds, making water, picking up dung, listening to discos while transforming rovers are a practical technical manual. The sense of reality is too strong, and as a science fiction, the element of "fantasy" is compressed to the extreme. There are moments when it feels like it's not science fiction but a real story.

 

I think the reason for Mark's rescue is his respect and importance for life. Although every living individual is small in the vast universe, on the other hand, every living individual is so strong. Therefore, we should cherish life, optimistic view of crisis, self-deprecating anxiety, calm way of thinking, scientific use of knowledge, and always meet good luck in the end, this is the book gave me the biggest harvest.

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