The Calculating Stars: A Stellar Start to an Alternate History Masterpiece
The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal is a thought-provoking and inspiring work of science fiction that blends historical fiction, complex characters, and visionary feminist themes in a richly imagined alternate world. As the first installment in the “Lady Astronaut” series, it has earned critical acclaim and won prestigious honors such as the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards.
The Story
Set in an alternate 1950s timeline, the story begins with a catastrophic asteroid strike that obliterates much of the U.S. East Coast, including Washington, D.C. Far from being just a natural disaster, the impact triggers a climate chain reaction that could make the Earth inhospitable within decades. In response, an international race to space is launched far earlier than in our real timeline, prompting humanity to look skyward for refuge.
At the center of this tale is Dr. Elma York, a former World War II WASP pilot and a brilliant mathematician who works for the International Aerospace Coalition. As climate collapse looms large, Elma finds herself uniquely poised to become an astronaut. But first, she must challenge institutional sexism, societal expectations of women, and even her own anxieties. Elma’s journey is at once personal and political: her dream to reach space becomes symbolic of a larger battle for inclusion, equality, and survival.
The Author: Mary Robinette Kowal
Mary Robinette Kowal has an illustrious career both within and beyond literature. A professional puppeteer and voice actor, Kowal brings an extraordinary breadth of experience to her writing. She’s not only a multiple Hugo, Nebula, and Locus award winner, but also a past president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA).
Kowal’s works often reflect a deep appreciation for scientific authenticity, shaped in part by her involvement with NASA’s social media efforts and her connections with actual space professionals. She is known for extensive research, and in The Calculating Stars, she combines technical accuracy with emotional depth to craft a world that feels both authentic and aspirational. Her commitment to inclusive storytelling ensures that her narratives challenge traditional science fiction tropes, making space for often-overlooked voices, particularly women and people of color.
My Reflection
There is a rare kind of science fiction that challenges how we think about the past, the future, and our own potential. The Calculating Stars achieves this in a way few novels do. It interrogates the deeply ingrained societal biases of mid-20th century America while pairing them with the wonder and ambition of early spaceflight.
What makes this book stand out is its attention to scientific plausibility while maintaining emotional resonance. Elma York is a deeply human protagonist: brilliant, passionate, flawed, and relatable. Her struggle with anxiety isn’t a minor detail; it’s a persistent part of her identity that shapes her actions and thoughts. That psychological realism, accompanied by a narrative that is both thrilling and poignant, adds real meat to the genre. There’s also something incredibly timely about its themes—especially its insistence that progress in science must be coupled with progress in equality.
This is not just a book about going to space. It’s about who gets to come along for the ride. And in telling that story through the lens of an alternate history, Kowal reminds us that our real future can be shaped—through courage, vision, and inclusion.
Happy reading, and I will see you in the next post!