A potential extinction event has occurred when a meteorite strike occurs off the Maryland shore decimating much of the eastern United States. A global nuclear winter followed by rising temperatures will make the Earth potentially uninhabitable. Global governments and scientists decide that the best avenue for human survival is to build communities on the moon and Mars.
In this alternative history of the Cold War era, man has already made it to space 15 years prior to our timeline. The protagonist, Elma York, a brilliant mathematician and physicist and pilot, wants nothing more than to be an astronaut; however, she finds this "ceiling" blocked for her by the masculine attitudes of post-WW2 America. The closest she has come to her dream is as the "Lady Astronaut" on Don Herbert's Mr. Wizard.
This tour-de-force novel is a blending of science and social commentary on gender and racial disparities. Like The Martian, there is enough science to interest "hard" science fiction fans. The primary characters, such as Elma and her supportive and loving husband and rocket engineer, Nathaniel, are deeply human and multi-faceted. The diverse cast of supporting characters add depth and verisimilitude of this engaging story.
In this alternative history of the Cold War era, man has already made it to space 15 years prior to our timeline. The protagonist, Elma York, a brilliant mathematician and physicist and pilot, wants nothing more than to be an astronaut; however, she finds this "ceiling" blocked for her by the masculine attitudes of post-WW2 America. The closest she has come to her dream is as the "Lady Astronaut" on Don Herbert's Mr. Wizard.
This tour-de-force novel is a blending of science and social commentary on gender and racial disparities. Like The Martian, there is enough science to interest "hard" science fiction fans. The primary characters, such as Elma and her supportive and loving husband and rocket engineer, Nathaniel, are deeply human and multi-faceted. The diverse cast of supporting characters add depth and verisimilitude of this engaging story.