Share

Book review: The Wanderers by Meg Howrey

accreditation

The Wanderers by Meg Howrey (first published in 2017 by Scribner, an imprint of Simon and Schuster)

Helen, Yoshi and Sergei will soon be leaving their families for seventeen months. Despite being esteemed astronauts with several missions under their respective belts, the trio are about to go one small step further by taking a giant leap to Mars. 

Our heroes are scheduled to participate in a simulation – a mini-voyage designed to test their abilities, responses and psychological health. 

The Wanderers feels strangely intimate – a diary of sorts into the worlds of eerily inhuman people. 

Faced with challenges, experiences and understandings beyond the realms of ‘normal’ earthlings, the Mars-destined crew is the prime example of a graceful rendition of an entire emotional spectrum. Hidden secrets and paranoia are slowly drawn out from our heroes the longer they endure their isolation. 

Simultaneously, we delve into the worlds of their families – those left standing in the shadow of astronauts; the ones who want to be defined by more than family on Mars. 

Howrey skilfully portrays several unique searches for the self, in a combined tale which speaks of the importance of every achievement and the vital force that is love. Detached from families in a small, multicultural bubble, the space travellers discover what it really means to be home, and the consequences of being so far away from it. 

Hers is a world of duplicity, of cloudy lines between reality and simulation, where actions and thoughts must be controlled, but emotions rage on. The Wanderers is moving, surreal and emotional, and a definite must read.

Purchase a copy of the book from Takealot.com.

Read more of Samantha’s reviews on her book blog and check out her Instagram account.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE