The Calculating Stars

by Mary Robinette Kowal
The Calculating Stars cover
Good Books rating 4.24
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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  • ID: 4546
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-16
  • ISBN: 9781786182166
  • Publisher: Solaris
  • Published: 2019-04-03
  • Reviews: 4

Nominated for the Hugo and Nebula Awards, The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal is a gripping tale of resilience and determination. Set in a world where a meteorite has triggered catastrophic global warming, the story follows Elma York, a brilliant mathematician and former World War II pilot, as she strives to overcome societal barriers to join the International Aerospace Coalition's mission to colonize the Moon and Mars. The novel blends historical fiction with science fiction, offering a unique perspective on the space race and the role of women in science. /n/n The Calculating Stars is praised for its compelling narrative and strong protagonist, with comparisons drawn to the real-life inspirations of Hidden Figures. Elma's journey is not just about reaching the stars but also about challenging the status quo and proving that women have a vital role to play in shaping the future of humanity. The novel's exploration of themes such as prejudice, perseverance, and the power of science makes it a standout in the genre.

Reviews
Reddit - Fantasy · 2021-08-10
great 4.20

The novel offers a detailed, technical look at the early history of the space program through the lens of historical science fiction. The protagonist's qualifications and journey are central to the story.

This review emphasizes the book's detailed and technical portrayal of the early space program, which is presented through the lens of historical science fiction. The protagonist's background as a WASP pilot and her qualifications to become an astronaut are central to the narrative. The reviewer appreciates the blend of historical accuracy and speculative fiction, making it a compelling read. The book's exploration of gender roles and societal expectations is also noted as a significant aspect of the story.

Quick quotes

    This novel is a detailed, technical look at the early history of the space program.

    The protagonist's qualifications and journey are central to the story.

    The blend of historical accuracy and speculative fiction makes it a compelling read.

Novel Notions · 2019-09-18
refreshing 4.25

The book is a fun and refreshing science-fiction reimagining of the Space Race of the 1950s. It is surprisingly light for a Hugo winner, making it an enjoyable read.

This book offers a fun and refreshing take on the Space Race of the 1950s, reimagining it through a science-fiction lens. Despite being a Hugo winner, the book is surprisingly light and accessible, making it an enjoyable read. The characters are well-developed, and their journeys are both engaging and thought-provoking. The book's exploration of themes like gender roles and scientific advancement adds depth to the narrative. The story's blend of historical fiction and science fiction works well, offering a fresh perspective on a well-known era. The technical aspects of the space program are well-researched and add a layer of authenticity to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    The Calculating Stars is a fun science-fiction reimagining of the Space Race of the 1950s.

    It was refreshingly light for a Hugo winner.

    The story offers a fresh perspective on a well-known era.

Classics of Science Fiction · 2019-08-19
excellent 4.50

The book is exceptional due to its alternate history where Americans were first into space. The story captures the essence of the 1950s and the challenges faced by the protagonist.

This review highlights the book's unique alternate history where Americans lead the space race, which adds a fresh perspective to the genre. The protagonist's journey is compelling, and the detailed portrayal of 1950s society and the space program's early days is praised. The reviewer appreciates the blend of historical accuracy and speculative fiction, making it a standout read. The book's exploration of gender roles and societal expectations is also noted as a strong point.

Quick quotes

    The story was a do-over, an alternate history where Americans were first into space in the 1950s.

    The book is exceptional due to its detailed portrayal of 1950s society and the space program's early days.

    The blend of historical accuracy and speculative fiction makes it a standout read.

Classics of Science Fiction · 2019-08-19
exceptional 4.00

The book is exceptional for its alternate history where Americans lead the space race. The story captures the essence of the 1950s with a forward-looking, science-worshipping perspective.

This book stands out for its unique take on an alternate history where the United States takes the lead in space exploration. The narrative effectively captures the spirit of the 1950s, blending a sense of scientific optimism with the social dynamics of the time. The author's attention to detail in portraying the era adds depth to the story, making it a compelling read. The characters and their struggles are well-developed, adding layers to the overall plot. The book's exploration of themes like gender roles and scientific advancement makes it both entertaining and thought-provoking. It's a blend of historical fiction and science fiction that works well together, offering a fresh perspective on a well-known era.

Quick quotes

    The story was a do-over, an alternate history where Americans were first into space in the 1950s.

    The world feels like a mixture of the forward-looking, science-worshipping 1950s and the 'United Nations Fight for Freedom' aspects.

    The novel is set in an alternative version of the fifties and it works hard to capture the feel of the time, and some of it is hard to read.

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