We are true bookworms here. We can’t go on without reviewing the books of one of the most prominent science fiction writers, Andy Weir. With his light characteristic style, he makes even the most difficult technicalities easy to digest and enjoyable. He is best known for “The Martian” – yes, the one with the movie – which has the same light style that his readers enjoy. End-of-the-world scenario? No problem, Andy Weir will still manage to put a smile to your face.
Artemis is not generally regarded as Weir’s best book out there. That title seems to go to Project Hail Mary, which itself has a highly anticipated adaptation on the way. I will soon be reviewing Project Hail Mary too.
Artemis Review
Artemis follows the story of the smuggler Jasmine “Jazz” Bashara, who lives in the first city on the Moon. Life there isn’t easy. The pay is never enough, conditions are crammed, there is never enough comfort. Not for her, anyway. The people she needs to serve, the rich who come to the moon simply for holidaying, are enjoying the best Artemis has to offer. And Jazz wants the same.
It does not take a lot of time for the proper opportunity to show up. One needs only grab it, and Jazz is anything if not resourceful.
Characters
Jazz is focused, ambitious and in posession of an incredibly sharp mind. Actually, one of the issues of this character is that she has too little defects.
Illustration by Heather Lynch
She is a well rounded character. She develops beautifully as the plot advances. She does have a great deal of internal and external conflicts she needs to solve. Meaning, she is a very enjoyable character to read.
However, maybe she is just a little bit overpowered. It turns out she is an incredible engineer, working out the most diffuclt problems under pressure, oftentimes in a life or death situation in the vacuum of space. She has great problem solving skills, not unlike any of the other protagonists Andy Weir wrote.
The problem with Jazz, though? She is a self thought teenager. Her knowledge feels unearned.
This is, as far as I saw most of the other people comment online, the biggest issue they have with the book. They say it is unrealistic, unrelatable, and simply, at times working out as a Deus Machina to solve the plot. She makes poor choices for no reason other than drama.
Compared to Weir’s other two books (yes, I read all of them), Artemis is indeed the most forgettable. I cannot feel nearly as closely connected to Jazz as I do to either Mark Watney or Ryland Grace. But those do set the bar pretty high.
I partially agree, and partially disagree. And it has to do with…
The Plot
This book is not supposed to be some kind of great space opera that requires a great character to get us through. It is a lighthearted space adventure which reads a bit like a children’ story with some grown up themes. Read it as such.
It is easy to get lost when reviewing books. The greatest literature you are going to come by is NOT going to be something like this. It is going to be the one that stuck with you the most. It does not diminish the need for a lighthearted adventure from time to time, one that doesn’t take itself so seriously.
I chose not to take this book too seriously. I think the author himself made it as such. If you take it as a light nice read which you pick only to relax, it goes on absolutely great. I feel like it is a lot about managing expectations.
Regarding the plot, the pacing was good and engaging. There is only one major issue I take with it and it is something to do with the ending, but I do not want to spoil it for you, so go ahead, read it, and let me know in the comments what your thoughts were.
The Setting
The city of Artemis, the city on the moon. What a lovely concept. Not a new one, but certainly something I love returning to and exploring. Not my favorite take on it (I am sorry, that has to go to “For All Mankind” on AppleTV) but certainly something that intrigues.
The moon does not accommodate life. You need to know how to survive, how to manage life systems, and make sure you are properly trained in everything you do to be able to withstand the harsh environment.
One bit I really enjoyed in this book that shows the harsh reality of Artemis is Jazz’s failed EVA (extravehicular activity) test. You can’t pass the test safely, you have no business going out and about.
Living in close quarters with an entire society is demanding, difficult, and offers little refuge. Jazz struggles with it, as well as the other inhabitants. However, there is little as rewarding as seeing them succeed at it. Kudos to the setting.
My opinion of Artemis
I enjoyed reading Artemis, but I don’t feel like it left me with a lot after putting it down. Does it compare with the other two Andy Weir has written? Well…. No. But I did laugh, I was intrigued, I was curious and I put the book down feeling good. And I think that says a lot.
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