The Terranauts

by T.C. Boyle
The Terranauts cover
Good Books rating 3.6
Contemporary Fiction
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  • ID: 10162
  • Added: 2026-01-16
  • Updated: 2026-01-16
  • ISBN: 9781408881736
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2016-10-20
  • Reviews: 3

In The Terranauts, a group of eight individuals are selected to participate in a groundbreaking ecological experiment, living in a sealed dome in the Arizona desert. Among them are Linda, who is desperate to prove herself, and Ramsay, a smooth-talking PR man. As they struggle to maintain the delicate balance of their microcosm, they face challenges from both the environment and each other. The story is a darkly comic and insightful exploration of human behavior, animal instincts, and the complexities of utopian visions. /n/n As the terranauts battle with crops, livestock, and the ever-watchful eyes of the media, tensions rise and alliances shift. The novel delves into the psychological and emotional struggles of the participants, highlighting the fine line between idealism and ambition. Inspired by real-life events, The Terranauts offers a sharp and acerbic look at the human condition under pressure.

Reviews
Los Angeles Review of Books · Jonathan Goldstein · 2026-01-16
thought-provoking 4.00

The novel explores the fallibility of human behavior with wit and humor, raising questions about our future. It is noted for its contemporary relevance and satirical edge.

Jonathan Goldstein delves into 'The Terranauts' with a focus on its exploration of human fallibility. They find the novel to be a witty and humorous examination of human behavior, with a contemporary relevance that makes it particularly compelling. The satirical edge of the novel adds depth to its exploration of societal issues, making it a thought-provoking and enjoyable read. The novel's blend of humor and critique resonates with readers, offering a unique perspective on human nature.

Quick quotes

    With wit and humor, this novel explores the fallibility of human behavior.

    A satirical novel for our era of wrap-around surveillance and publicity.

    The looming question of our future is a central theme.

Goodreads · 2026-01-16
engaging 3.30

The novel is a powerful, affecting, and hilarious deep-dive into human behavior, blending intimate and epic elements. It is praised for its engaging story and complex characters.

Goodreads reviewers collectively highlight 'The Terranauts' as a powerful and affecting exploration of human behavior. They appreciate the novel's blend of intimate and epic storytelling, finding it both hilarious and profound. The characters are complex, and the story is engaging, making it a standout read. The novel's deep-dive into human behavior resonates with readers, offering a unique and memorable experience.

Quick quotes

    A powerful, affecting and hilarious deep-dive into human behavior.

    An intimate and epic story of science, society, and human nature.

    The characters are complex and the story is engaging.

The Guardian · Daisy Buchanan · 2016-10-21
satirical 3.50

The novel is a Swiftian study of human nature at its worst, investigating self-sufficiency in an Arizona desert experiment. It offers a darkly humorous and critical look at human behavior.

Daisy Buchanan dives into 'The Terranauts' with a critical eye, highlighting its exploration of human nature in a controlled environment. They find the novel to be a darkly humorous and satirical take on self-sufficiency, with a focus on the worst aspects of human behavior. The setting, an Arizona desert experiment, serves as a microcosm for broader societal issues, making it a relevant and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    An ark to save humanity, perhaps, but also a pressure cooker for human folly.

    Boyle's novel is a Swiftian study of human nature at its worst.

    The Terranauts is a darkly humorous and critical look at human behavior.

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