Astronaut!

by Oana Aristide

Romania, 1989: a grey place of mysterious queues, ubiquitous informers and daily news flashes about a man-eating bear that is terrorising the country.

Amidst the daily drudge of work, rationing and careful conversation with neighbours, two lives unexpectedly collide when an idealistic police detective, Constantin, is tasked with solving a string of grisly murders, and a rebellious school child, Lia, is unwittingly drawn into her elderly neighbour's seditious plot.

Dryly satirical, incredibly tense and deeply moving, ASTRONAUT! is both a detective novel and a coming-of-age tale, one with a perennially relevant the lies we accept today become the truths of tomorrow.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Literary Fiction

261 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 26, 2026

Reviews

[Ruben · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5

Fantastic new novel set in Romania 1989, about the absurdities of totalitarianism and a society in which any neighbour or colleague can be an informer.

The main character is Lia, a little blabbermouth who can't help getting herself into trouble. She notices the world is gradually losing its colour and is determined to bring it back. When she accidentally wins a drawing contest she shouldn't have won (because her classmate Dora whose parents are high up in the Party was supposed to win) the prize is a meet and greet with Ceausescu himself.

A second storyline is that of detective Constantin, who is put in charge of the investigation into a gruesome murder, which soon turns out to be the first of many. Is there a serial killer on the loose, or is it perhaps more convenient to blame a bear?

I love this very much, a smart plot is combined with humour. Astronaut! (i.e. not kosmonaut) has some of the absurdity and humour of Catch-22 and the warm atmosphere of Mariana Leky.

I have some Romanian friends and lately nothing excites them more than bear stories - it's a real thing.

I am pencilling this down for the Booker longlist - it could be the "Endling" of 2026.

[Chloë ☾ ⋆* · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving and darkly humorous coming-of-age story that had me highly entertained throughout! Have never read a book set in communist Romania and I’m not sure what I expected, but I loved this. Perfect balance of weird and touching. Lia was such a well written protagonist!! If you’re looking for a satirical detective novel with hidden depth and important themes, definitely pick this one up. 🐻 🎒 The narrator was also fabulous. Thank you to Headline Audio and NetGalley for the ARC 🎧

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astronaut by Oana Aristide

Thank you to NetGalley and Oana Aristide for providing both the audiobook (narrated by Rosalind Lailey) and the e-book advanced copies in exchange for an honest review.

Set in 1989 Romania, just months before the fall of Nicolae Ceaușescu and the eruption of the Romanian Revolution, Astronaut follows two seemingly separate lives: Lia, a young girl whose imagination stretches far beyond the grey confines of her world, and Constantin, a disciplined detective tasked with trying to catch what appears to be a serial killer... As unrest quietly builds across the country, Lia retreats into stories of space and possibility, while Constantin methodically pieces together a case that carries emotional consequences. The novel gradually reveals how their worlds are connected but it does so with restraint and care.

What makes this book different is its tonal balance. This isn’t simply historical fiction, nor is it purely a detective story. It’s a meditation on imagination and how it protects us, shapes us, and sometimes exposes us. Lia’s innocence never feels sentimental; it feels necessary. Constantin’s investigative precision is grounded, yet softened by the imaginative bedtime stories he tells his son, Sandu. (These were my favourite!) The contrast between a child trying to make sense of her environment and a man trying to impose order on it gives the novel emotional tension that feels both intimate and political.

Readers should care because the stakes are human rather than sensational. The backdrop of late-communist Romania... rationing, fear of the Securitate, whispered dissent isn’t just historical colour; it presses in on every character decision. Aristide doesn’t overwhelm with exposition, but the sense of a country on the brink adds quiet urgency throughout. The story hooks you not through twists, but through emotional convergence and the slow realisation that innocence and investigation are moving toward one another.

Experiencing this through both audio and print deepened the impact. Rosalind Lailey’s narration is measured and emotionally intelligent, with pacing that allows tension to build naturally. Her Romanian accent felt authentic to me and never distracting... instead, it enriched the atmosphere and grounded the setting. The audiobook particularly elevates Lia’s chapters, capturing vulnerability without overplaying it. By the end, Aristide ties the dual perspectives together in a way that feels earned, thoughtful, and quietly powerful.

#Astronaut #NetGalley

[Susan J. Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eight-year-old Lia totally charmed me in Oana Aristide’s excellent piece of historical fiction about life in Ceausescu’s Romania. Seeing events unfold through her eyes and her attempts to rationalise them was innocent, uplifting and heartbreaking. I remember the fall of this regime, their total indifference to mass genocide and the dreadful reports about the treatment of children in orphanages (I don’t think I’ll ever forget that news footage), contrasted with the ridiculous collection of fur coats Elena Ceausescu owned, when her people were starving and in poverty.
I also enjoyed the relationship between detective Constantin and his young son, especially the nightly fairy stories, which had a fable-like quality and were his way of helping his son see the truth in what was going on around them.
Another favourite character was Lia’s elderly neighbour, whom she befriends in secret, and who gradually becomes more deranged as the plot advances.
It’s a sobering story which reimagines the end of a dreadful regime, beautifully brought to life by Rosalind Lailey’s empathetic narration.
Five stars from me, with thanks to NetGalley and Headline Audio for a chance to listen to an ALC. Astronaut publishes on 26 March.

[Jamad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Astronaut! is a compelling and vivid historical novel that combines suspense, satire, and poignant character study against the last days of Communist Romania. Set in a grey, tightly controlled world of rationing, informers, and state propaganda, the story follows two unlikely protagonists whose lives intersect in meaningful ways.

Constantin is an idealistic police detective tasked with investigating a series of grisly murders. He is thoughtful and introspective, juggling the weight of his job with scribbled fairytales for his young child. Lia, a spirited and perceptive schoolgirl, yearns for colour and freedom in a society that demands conformity. By chance, she becomes involved in her elderly neighbour’s secret plot against the regime.

Aristide breathes life into late-Communist Romania, capturing both the absurdities of everyday life under authoritarian rule and the small acts of resistance that define her characters. The narrative deftly balances the tension of a detective plot with the coming-of-age experiences of Lia and the moral complexities faced by Constantin, creating a layered and engaging read.

The novel explores how individuals navigate fear, truth, and loyalty in a world where even simple conversations can carry risk. It’s deeply moving and occasionally wryly funny, showing how hope and resilience persist even in the bleakest contexts.

Overall, Astronaut! is a richly imagined story that stays with you, offering insight into a turbulent period of history through memorable characters and a propulsive, thoughtful plot.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Margaret C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this wry and satirical tale set during the final months of Ceaușescu’s reign in communist Romania.

The characters are convincingly drawn and the story moves along between two perspectives. There is that of talkative little Lia who just wants to brighten the lives of those around her, but sometimes inadvertently makes things worse for her stressed out parents. Then there is Constantine, the police detective, who is trying to solve a series of gruesome murders, while navigating the often ludicrous constraints applied by the corrupt powers that be and who seizes the opportunity to compose bedtime fairytales for his precious four year old son if a spare moment arises.

The oppressiveness and paranoia of life in communist Romania under Ceaușescu is clearly portrayed but is balanced by the hope and optimism in our two main characters who are determined to do their best to make things as good as they can be despite the circumstances.
Overall this is a wonderful read and I highly recommend it!

My thanks to NetGalley and Headline Books for this much appreciated early copy of Astronaut.

[Sam Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Astronaut! is set in Romania during the final days of Nicolae Ceaușescu’s communist regime in 1989, and it gave me a fascinating insight into what everyday life was like during that time. The atmosphere of uncertainty and restriction is really well captured, making the setting feel vivid and immersive.

At first I wasn’t entirely sure about the writing style - it felt a little unusual - but after a few chapters I settled into it and became genuinely invested in the lives of the two main characters. Their stories unfold in a way that feels very human and relatable despite the very different political and cultural context.

I found the book quite moving overall, with moments that really stayed with me. There’s also a thread of dark humour running through the story, which helps balance the heavier themes and adds a surprising warmth to the narrative.

Overall, this was an engaging and thoughtful read that offered both emotional depth and an interesting historical perspective. Definitely worth picking up if you enjoy character-driven stories set against real historical backdrops. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Meme · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romania, 1989. Under a dictatorship, two stories unfold at the same time—will they collide?


A little girl with rebellious, freedom-loving ideas is obsessed with bringing back colors.

A cop with a conscience is trying to solve grisly crimes.


It was interesting to read about what life was like during that complicated part of history. The story is a good idea, and I found the ending consistent. The author did a good job depicting how it feels to be a little girl who doesn’t always understand her world.


But unfortunately, I had a hard time finishing it. I might have DNFed it if it hadn’t been an ARC. I didn’t always feel to pick it up, and while the murder mystery seemed appealing at first, it lost some of its initial appeal for me as the story progressed. Some characters—though I understand them—were difficult for me to connect with.


I am still glad that I finished it, as I still wanted to know how it would end.


It was my first approved ARC on NetGalley, so it will always feel special to me. And I must say that the cover design is amazing—not only is it beautiful, but it also makes total sense once you’ve read the book.

[Books Before Bs · Rating 3 out of 5]

In ‘Astronaut!’ by Oana Aristide we are given a glimpse into life in a totalitarian state through two sets of eyes: those of a grieving police detective, Constantin, as he searches for the man (or beast) behind a string of grisly murders, and those of an eight-year-old girl, Lia, who is unwittingly drawn into her neighbour’s plot against President Ceaușescu as she struggles to make sense of the absurdity of the world around her.

The writing in ‘Astronaut!’ is excellent; the characters compelling. I particularly like the fairy tales Constantin tells his son and how they function thematically, and I admire how well Aristide portrays the world from Lia’s perspective, capturing her frustration with a nonsensical system where adults are terrified of things she cannot comprehend and she is punished for "wrongs" she cannot see.

I was sure this was going to be a five-star read for me, until it was let down massively by the ending. It isn’t often that I want a book to be longer, but this conclusion felt rushed and anti-climactic, needing more time for the threads to come together and for the actions to play out. The murderer and his motives are revealed and dismissed in a blink-and-you-miss-it moment, and the plot against Ceaușescu remains incomplete. We are kept wondering who lived, who died, and what the lasting consequences are for the survivors. It left me feeling deflated; a disappointing finish to a previously brilliant story. 

Rating: A regrettable 3 stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Oana Aristide and Wildfire for the ARC.

⚠️ Grief

[Katy Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scene-setting storylines collide in 1980s Romania.

3.5 stars

A dark and dreary time, with a grey world, informers, rationing and a real Big Brother world that really existed within the lifetimes of many people reading this.

Romania in 1989, where a little girl accidentally gets her parents in trouble by using their hidden money to buy a present. Where her artwork will hopefully win a competition for a long-desired bike. Where multiple murders blamed on a bear may actually be a serial killer.

The two main characters - Lia, future artist and upset with the lack of colour in her world, Constantin, detective and teller of stories to his son. Many dead people. A collision of worlds and stories in growing tension where the reader suspects things Lia doesn't, where we look on in horror at miles-long queues for meat. Where we watch people watching each other, informing on each other, disappearing.

It's hard reading about this sort of regime through the eyes of a child, seeing her world coloured (or not) by politics and repression and fear.

It was an interesting read, I enjoyed the conclusion and final chapters that had been built up to for many chapters, and actually did go and look up the recent history of Romania after finishing this, it inspired me to learn about it. Pretty horrific stuff.

I would have got on better with this on paper I think, sometimes lost concentration during the audiobook.

Fascinating insights though, and the images of Lia's world do stay in your head.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample audio copy.

[The_Bookworm_Chronicles · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fellow Romanian, this book was such a bitter-sweet read for me.
Through the eyes of two vividly drawn characters, the author managed to capture what life was like during Ceausescu's "reign".

In a time when trusting people came at a huge risk, when even your best friend could be an informant for the regime, we follow Lia, a curious and highly imaginative girl, and Constantin, an idealistic and whimsical police officer, as they try to navigate every day under dictatorship.

The two presumably unrelated characters' lives get interwoven when one is inspecting a series of gruesome murders and the other gets involved in a scheme to bring about the fall of the regime.
This entire situation builds and builds, until we are left anxiously turning the pages to see what happens and hoping our characters get out of it unharmed.

While Lia's POV is dominated by her curiosity and longing for more color, often intertwined with the fear and anger of her parents, Constantin's is subjugated by grief, questioned loyalties, while still clinging on to hope.

The satirical tone the author uses somewhat dampens the grim events of the book, while still managing to relay the harsh reality: being careful of what you say and to whom, standing in line for rations, always being aware of your surroundings and the people around you.

"Astronaut!" will certainly stay with you, shedding some light on this dark part of Romania's history that to this day manages to still cast a shadow on people's lives, always reminding them of the cost of dreaming of change.

[eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in 1989 Romania, Astronaut! follows as two lives unexpectedly collide when an idealistic police detective, Constantin, is tasked with solving a string of grisly murders, and a rebellious school child, Lia, is unwittingly drawn into her elderly neighbour's seditious plot.

I went into this not knowing what to expect, and I ended up being so pleasantly surprised, and so incredibly obsessed. It is such an interesting concept, brought to life by such exceptional writing; it truly makes for a gripping, compelling story. There is so much humour in this, which I genuinely appreciated, and I think it balanced out the heaviness of the plot pretty well. Lia's point of view particularly stood out to me; it felt so incredibly real, and it was pretty chilling at times to see what was happening in the world around her through the eyes of a child. The characters are so interesting and so distinct, they were such a pleasure to follow. Overall, I really loved this book, and my only complaint about it is that the ending feels a little rushed, and there are so many knots that deserved to be properly untangled. I got to listen to this on audiobook, and it was such a great experience; the narrator does an incredible job hooking you in while bringing this story to life, and makes it so easy to get lost in this world.

Many thanks to Headline Audio & NetGalley for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

*This was received as an ARC from NetGalley.


First, I wanted to read this book because I'm interested in books set in countries that are written by natives of those countries. This book is set in Romania and written by a Romanian. It also "counts" for my "read around the world" challenge. Although I think this is classified as adult fiction, it reads as more YA. There are two main stories here - one of a young girl, Lia, and how she doesn't behave appropriately in the context of the Ceausescu regime. She is a child who wants to question things. The second story is that of a potential serial killer and the officers trying to solve this mystery. While the stories do have a small overlap, it almost reads as two separate stories and they aren't intertwined very well with each other. I would've preferred to learn more about the young girl and her family and their story. There is mention of her classmates whose fabulous are more important to the regime and Lia's parents try to explain this to Lia. When Lia swaps numbers with this classmate, she wins an award, but the clear example of favoritism isn't really expanded on. I think the book could've explored more in the area. I would've rated it higher if the two stories were more clearly connected, but it was a really loose connection.

[RecycledWords · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosalind Lailey does a brilliant job of narrating this audiobook and creating recognisable, consistent voices for the various characters. This really helps an audiobook flow well for me as the variation in the narration keeps me engaged so I don't get distracted whilst listening.

I loved Lia and her curious mind; using a child to question the rules and fears under communism which don't make any logical sense felt clever without being condescending. I didn't know anything about communism in Romania prior to listening to this audiobook but feel that I learned a lot from following Lia and Constantin's stories. The plotline of the serial killer/bear was more of an interesting bistory for me and I didn't feel the conclusion of that particular thread made much sense so I felt a little let down by the end of the book.

The fairytales told by Lia's father to her younger brother Sandu were nice little breaks in the main story. Sandu's feelings about the stories were good examples of how the dissonance between reality and the stories we are told as children can create disquiet.

Thanks to NetGalley and Headline Audio for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Annie Waddoups · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1989 Romania, a detective named Constantin tries to solve a string of distinctive murders while also complying with the absurd ruse that they are an astonishingly organized set of bear attacks. By day he tries to navigate professional duty, physical survival, and ethical quandaries under Ceaucescu's regime. By night he makes up fairy tales to tell his young son, stories about kind and evil types of villagers and magic torches and bears and clear-eyed truth tellers.

Meanwhile in another town, Lia is an inquisitive and insightful 8-year-old schoolgirl, obsessed with color in drab Romania, whose candor always seems to get her in hot water. When she becomes friends with an elderly neighbor, she's drawn into his crazy, perpetual plots against the regime.

Eventually Lia's and Constantin's dilemmas cross paths as they weigh the costs of speaking up or going along. Are the answers in fairy tales more true than the reality of their current world?

Aristide is an exceptional storyteller. I loved this delightful, suspenseful, mischievous book--watch out for this one when it comes out in July 2026. I suspect there are some award nominations in her future.

[Ella (The Story Collector) · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Romania, 1989, two lives unexpectedly collide when a police detective, Constantin, is tasked with solving a string of violent murders, and a rebellious school child, Lia, is unwittingly drawn into her elderly neighbour’s seditious plot.

I really, really enjoyed this book. I had very little prior knowledge of Romania in the late 80’s (or at any time, to be honest), and found Astronaut! to be both entertaining and educational.

The Constantin storyline is a grisly mystery which shows the absurdities life under of authoritarian rule, while Lia’s storyline is amusing, relatable and remarkably well-written. The two don’t seem like they should go together at all, but they really do.

The plot is smart, compelling and darkly humorous, with fantastically written characters and much more depth than I expected. I particularly felt for Lia’s parents, trying to bring up such a precocious child under less than ideal circumstances.

I would absolutely recommend!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

[Siobhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astronaut! is a novel about Communist Romania that blends a serial killer mystery with the story of a child who doesn't understand the stakes involved in her actions. In Romania in 1989, a string of horrible murders happens and police detective Constantin has the job nobody wants: trying to investigate the murders even as they must be blamed on a bear. He crosses paths with Lia, a schoolgirl who just wants to draw pictures and bring the colours back to the drab, grey landscape of her life. Lia's parents just want to survive, but their daughter is unknowingly being drawn into a a dangerous plot being planned by a neighbour.

This book is completely engrossing, painting a vivid, tense picture of Romania during the last days of Communism that highlights both the ridiculous realities of trying to investigate actual crimes under an atmosphere of state violence and the impossible position of trying to get your child to comply with laws when they have a curious, rebellious nature. Lia's character is well-written to make you understand the injustices she feels whilst also feeling sympathy for her parents just trying to avoid prison for something their daughter does. There's a lot of clever details, like how Lia doesn't believe her parents' warnings about what will happen to them if she says something inappropriate because she's used to the casual threats of typical parents when trying to convince her to do small things like eating her dinner. It builds up a powerful tension where Lia's increasing knowledge and awareness about the world puts her and others in danger, but is also just her growing up and learning things.

Astronaut! is a gripping story, but for me it was also a eye-opening look into Communist Romania, which I knew little about before reading it. It is a book I'll be recommending to people, especially those who like literary fiction that engages with a real historical time period whilst blending together genres.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual read, but I enjoyed it all the same. I appreciated the glimpse it offered into a life within a communist state, and having it viewed through the lens of a child made it all the more impactful. Especially with their innocent views and confusion at why things are the way that they are. The characters were well written and held a depth where you wanted to know more.
I did expect this to be more of a mystery/whodunnit, but really there is no mystery in who holds the power of control in these communities.

Sadly the ending let it down for me, as it fell a bit flat and felt hurried. I feel it could have done with a bit more to draw it out and allow the dots to be connected in a more organic way.

It's clear that Oana is an excellent author and I'll absolutely be picking up more of their books. I would recommend this read to others, especially if dark-humour, mystery and a glimpse into communism is your thing.

[Bibliophileverse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Astronaut! is a compelling portrayal of Romanian life and society in 1989, capturing the tension and quiet despair of a nation under rigid control. The narrative moves at a brisk pace, unfolding in striking phases that push readers to confront the harsh realities of societal oppression. The mystery woven into the plot adds depth, subtly guiding the story without overpowering its emotional core.

One of the most distinctive elements is the inclusion of tiny fables, which illuminate the premise with clarity and symbolic precision. Lia stands out as the most intriguing character—a rebellious child who refuses silent submission in a society conditioned to obey authority. Her defiance sharply contrasts with the general passivity around her, making her presence powerful and unsettling.

However, while the buildup of the mystery is engaging, its resolution feels somewhat underwhelming, slightly diminishing the overall impact of an otherwise thought-provoking novel.

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Astronaut!” by Oana Aristide, is a small marvel. It is part childhood memoir, part political parable and quietly heartbreaking in its humour. Lia, an inquisistive, colour‑hungry girl growing up in Ceaușescu’s grey Romania, views everything through the lens of imagination and crayons. It’s both funny and unsettling, full of moments where innocence collides with absurdity.

The adults around her each bend in their own way to the impossible rules of a totalitarian world. Aristide handles them with empathy and razor‑sharp observation. Rosalind Lailey’s narration nails the tone: the wonder of a child mixed with the weariness of the adults she doesn’t yet understand.

A vivid, wry reminder of how freedom looks when it’s missing - and why it matters not to take it for granted.

Thank you to Headline Audio, NetGalley and Oana Aristide for an advance listening copy of this book.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The cover should have been a clue but you can’t always judge a book by its cover. This one is perfect - it hints of the darkness and jeopardy of living under Ceasescu’s rule in Romania in 1989, the surrealist nature of surveillance and the humour of the story crafted by this very entertaining and compelling writer. I loved the two main characters and thought they complemented each other in the storytelling. Lia’s spirit in the face of a world of black soot and long queues was a delight. Constantin’s cautious resistance to the horrors of the regime within which he operates as a policeman was very cleverly drawn. I am going to miss them all and I both raced through this book and also didn’t want it to end.

[Ben Dutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oona Aristide's latest novel Astronaut! takes us to communist Romania that takes two dissparate elements - a rebellious schoolgirl unaware of how out of her depths she is getting and that of an investigation into a serial killer and the attempt at pinning the crimes on a bear. Very easily either of these two narratives could have formed a novel on their own, but Aristide merges them to create an absurdist comedy/drama about the dying days of Ceaușescu's regime.

I enjoyed Astronaut! very much, devouring it in a single sitting, breathlessly swept away by the narrative, engaging characters and setting. This is a gripping, offbeat novel well worth your time.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.

[Elena M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio arc!

A string of mysterious deaths being solved in communist Romania combined with an escaped bear sounded like a wild premise and therefore a must-read. We follow the main characters Constantin and Lia. Constantin, a police detective is tasked with solving a string of mysterious deaths and Lia , a schoolgirl, also becomes involved. I particularly enjoyed the folklore/fairytale aspects woven into the story as well as the exploration of daily life under the communist regime. In the second half of the book, I felt there were some major plot holes and the ending fell flat. Nevertheless, an enjoyable listen!

[Sarah Faichney · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Astronaut!’ by Oana Aristide really opened my eyes to the reality of living in Romania under a Communist government in the late 1980s. I listened to the audiobook which was beautifully narrated by Rosalind Lailey. I enjoyed seeing the world through the eyes of both Lia and Constantin and I loved the fairy tales which were interspersed throughout. I think Lia’s perspective, and those of her parent’s, really helped to illustrate the atmosphere of the era. An unusual and enjoyable read.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was the cover that drew me to this book and also a love I have for Romania having visited once and finding it a most beautiful place, and one that I would like to go back to. However, although I liked it the storyline fell a little flat for me. I never really felt I was really into it. The changing perspectives of the two characters maybe cycled a little too quickly for me. But it was interesting. Thanks to Headline and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful, imaginative story about communist Romania, largely seen through the eyes of a curious, fearless child’. I listened to the audiobook, which was very well narrated by Rosalind Lailey and made the story more warmhearted and exciting.
Thank you to Wildfire and Netgalley UK for the advanced digital audiobook.

[A.K. Adler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was captivated by the narrative voice right from the first chapter. It has dark humour, a tight plot with two converging storylines, and cutting social commentary. The most thought-provoking theme for me was how we can persuade ourselves to believe our own lies: although this is set in the 80's, it feels deeply relevant to the era of fake news.

[Steve Cavill · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s quirky! It’s dark! It’s fun! Astronaut! by Oana Aristide is one of those books that surprises you in the best way and sticks with you long after you finish it.

Set in Romania in 1989, just before the fall of the Communist regime, the story captures what everyday life felt like under dictatorship: shortages, suspicion, strange rules, and the constant feeling that someone might be watching. It’s a bleak setting, but the book never feels heavy—instead, it’s full of sharp humour and warmth.

The plot follows two main threads. One is Constantin, a police detective trying to investigate a series of murders that may—or may not—be linked to a man-eating bear roaming the countryside. His job is made almost impossible by bureaucracy, fear, and the absurd logic of the system he works for. The bear hunt is tense, strange, and often darkly funny.

The other thread follows Lia, a bright, imaginative schoolgirl who refuses to fully accept the grey world around her. Through her eyes, we see small acts of rebellion, curiosity, and hope, even when the future feels closed off.

The title Astronaut! might seem confusing at first—this isn’t a space novel—but it makes sense as the story unfolds. It’s about escape and imagination, about wanting to leave a suffocating world and reach something bigger and freer, even if only in your mind.

Overall, this is a clever, funny, unsettling, and surprisingly touching novel. It mixes mystery, satire, and history in a way that feels fresh and human. A brilliant reminder that even in the darkest times, people still dream of other worlds.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this! Original, unexpected and unpredictable - also so eye-opening about communism in Romania in the 80s which I knew nothing about

[Bao Bao · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1989 in Romania. It's still a communist country, and there's a serial killer on the loose.

Constantin is a detective who goes around the country trying to find any evidence of this killer or a "bear" that's been let loose.

Lia is a young girl, who likes to draw and runs wild. She befriends an old neighbour Comrade Mantea. They have fun, they listen to each other, but Comrade Mantea has other plans that might just help or harm Lia...

Really enjoyed this book. It was wildly fun trying to imagine what it was like to be in Romania during the late 80's.

Thanks to Netgalley and Headline | Wildfire for this ARC!