The Red Woman on Mars

If there is one thing to know about me, it’s how much I love space. Science fiction is and will always be my favorite genre. I also love Jane Austen. A lot! I even took a college class on Jane Austen, and I learned so much about her. She was definitely ahead of her time. I am always on the lookout for anything Jane Austen and love to watch or read retellings of Austen’s work. Recently, I saw an author named Claire Barner promote her book on Threads. It was called The Red Woman on Mars. Of course, the title had me at Mars! Then, when I saw how it was a Pride and Prejudice retelling, I was hooked!

The story follows sisters Vivian Bowen and Delilah Bowen. These two sisters have been living in a refugee camp on Earth with no future. An opportunity arises for them to travel to Mars. There, they will select a Martian husband or wife to procreate with and end Mars’s failing at reproduction. We also have the familiar characters: Mr. Dorsey, a.k.a. Mr. Darcy. As well as his nemesis, Mr. Silas Gatlin, a.k.a. Mr. Wickham.

There is also an interesting behind-the-scenes plot: AI worship on Mars. Tackling this subject, given the current times, is a smart move. The ladies are also known as the Red Mothers. This also reminded me a lot of one of my favorite books, The Handmaid’s Tale. Given our current times, this theme was great to read about.

I really liked all the main characters. Their pride and prejudice were at the forefront of their words and actions. I also enjoyed Luz Flores. It was great to see a Hispanic character. She was the perfect Charlotte Lucas. I was also delighted when she talked about Tajín, chamoy, agua fresca, and Tamales!

The story took some different turns, things I was not expecting, yet they were great. Barner definitely made this retelling her own. I absolutely enjoyed this retelling of Pride and Prejudice and loved all the worldbuilding. I would actually love for it to be a sequel and find out more about Martian life. I especially want to know more about Vivian and Dorsey.

If you love Science Fiction and Jane Austen, this is the perfect book for you!

Liliana