The Mars House

Pulley’s (The Half Life of Valery K) science fiction novel explores topics that range from prejudice and politics to relationship advice from woolly mammoths—all against the backdrop of a terraformed Martian colony. Xenophobic senator Aubrey Gale is intent on making Martian colonists understand the danger of Earthstrongers, or refugees from Earth, whose earlier life at higher gravity poses a threat to those born or naturalized on Mars. The only solution is to force Earthstrongers to undergo a dangerous medical procedure that could shorten or even end their lives. When Gale’s political games cause January, a recent émigré from Earth, to lose his few noncitizen rights, January strikes back. Then, a mixture of kindness and political savvy pushes Gale to offer January their hand in marriage for five years. Daniel de Bourg’s smooth, pleasant narration meshes well with Pulley’s graceful prose. Though much of the colony is of Chinese descent, Gale’s flat, American accent balances January’s British as listeners wait to discover whether politics and love can coexist.