In Ascension by Martin MacInnes
Published by Grove Press
Publication date: April 3, 2023
Genres: Fiction, Literary, Science Fiction
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In the near future two events occur that add new possibilities for human survival. One is an acceleration process that allows spacecraft to travel at up to 30 million mph, a speed previously unimagined, but that will open up galaxy exploration beyond science’s wildest dreams. The other is closer to home—an unmapped vent in the Atlantic Ocean that appears to be far deeper than the Mariana Trench, the bottom of which is believed to be the deepest point on Earth. Pulled into the orbit of these two discoveries is Leigh, a young marine biologist who suddenly plays a pivotal role in the project at the heart of Martin MacInnes’ novel In Ascension.
Leigh’s passion is for the origins of first life, found in the ocean’s depths. By ignoring humankind’s evolution, both on the planet and in space, In Ascension has a refreshing perspective; a reminder of where we really are in the scheme of things. MacInnes brings this to a personal level with Leigh’s relationship with her mother, who, before Leigh goes into isolation as part of the project, is showing increasing signs of dementia. The project’s secrecy means Leigh can’t relay any pertinent information about her whereabouts or how long she’ll be out of touch to anyone, forcing her into an untenable position.
In Ascension is literary science fiction and my conclusion is the two genres shouldn’t mix. By its nature sci-fi is supposed to be gripping, propulsive, edge-of-your-seat reading—not words used to describe literary books. MacInnes tries to bridge the gap and maybe for more scientifically minded readers this works, but for me it became ponderous, the story grinding to a halt under the weight of over 200 pages of the minutiae surrounding sending a manned spacecraft beyond our solar system. Certain aspects were fascinating, like the impact on depth perception when the surrounding environment is pitch black or the discovery of a new psychological condition, Earth-loss—an extreme home sickness occurring when astronauts finally lose sight of Earth, but overall it was an impediment.
Where the novel kept my attention was on the larger, less tangible themes such as the contemplation of the universe, our place in it, the spiritual versus the scientific in universal evolution theories, and what lies out beyond our grasp. In a smaller sphere there’s climate change, spirituality, and the delicate bonds of family. All subjects worth exploring, but instead In Ascension ended up being one of those novels where, after finishing I’m certain there’s a paragraph or even just a sentence I’ve missed that would make the story’s meaning clear. There may have been, but for this reader In Ascension’s meaning was lost.
Interested in outer space, but want something lighter? The Martian is great sci-fi with a sharp sense of humor.
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