Book Review of Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Houston Space centre in 1980 is an intimidating environment for women. Astrophysics professor Joan and aeronautical engineer Vanessa know how lucky they are to become ASCANs, or astronaut candidates in a world previously reserved for male fighter pilots. Training is tough, physically and mentally, as the cohort prepare for the opportunity to leave the planet’s atmosphere and orbit the Earth in the International Space Station.

In 1984, Vanessa is on her first space mission when disaster strikes. Joan, leading communications as CAPCOM in Houston must talk her through how to repair the damage and return safely to Earth.

The author conjures the bizarre world of the ASCAN cohort with assurance, as we follow Joan, Vanessa and their colleagues through their training in the macho 1980s. The ASCAN cohort work and live together, and despite professional rivalry, experience the inevitable romantic liaisons and heartbreak.

The engineering detail of the space station is meticulously evoked. Plus the sheer horror of being stranded 200 miles above Earth, with only a disembodied voice to advise on your survival.

This novel sits closer to “disaster” movies like Gravity or Apollo 13 than the lyrical wonder of novels like Orbital. I relished learning about the astronaut programme, and yet … I would have liked more scenes on the detail of life in space, and the unfolding catastrophe, and maybe less on relationship friction between the astronaut candidates down at ground level.

However, Atmosphere is a well-researched novel from a famous author, that includes an authentically complex relationship between Joan and Vanessa, and a nail-biting finale, so is well worth your time. I devoured it on a flight to New Zealand, and it certainly made me stare at the night sky from my plane window with heightened respect.

Author Instagram @tjenkinsreid

P.S. I know some might say that a novel set in 1980 is not historical fiction. Just give it time :)

Enjoyed this book review? 

Join my book club for monthly updates on recent reviews and a behind the scenes look at writing historical fiction.