What Classifies Another Human as an “Other”?

Summary

"Mars Awakens" by H.M. Waugh is a young adult sci-fi novel that explores themes of misinformation, prejudice, and survival through the lens of two rival Martian colonies and their inhabitants' interactions.

Abstract

Set in the resource-scarce Davinci colony on Mars, "Mars Awakens" follows protagonist Dee as she encounters Holt, a pilot from the rival Newton colony. The narrative delves into the scarcity of males, referred to as Y's, and the societal structures that protect them. As Dee and Holt navigate their initial mistrust and the lies fed to them about each other's colonies, they form an unlikely alliance when faced with a greater external threat. Waugh's scientific background lends authenticity to the Martian setting and technology, while the story serves as a mirror to contemporary societal issues, challenging readers to confront misinformation and ingrained prejudices. The book is the first in a duology, setting the stage for further exploration of these themes in the sequel.

Opinions

The novel is praised for its logical presentation of the harsh realities of Martian life and its believable, adaptable technology.
The story is seen as a reflection of our own society, highlighting issues of misinformation and prejudice.
The rivalry between the Martian colonies is portrayed as a product of misinformation, which is a critical commentary on how societies can be manipulated to view others as less than human.
The book is commended for tackling significant issues in a way that is accessible to younger readers, encouraging them to think about trust, human commonalities, and the nature of being an "Other."
The author's tight writing style effectively solidifies the Martian environment and establishes the conflict between the colonies.
"Mars Awakens" is acknowledged for successfully building anticipation for the second part of the duology, leaving readers with unanswered questions and a desire for more.

Exploring misinformation and prejudice in “Mars Awakens” by H.M. Waugh

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In the Davinci colony, resources are scarce. Survival and terraforming are the highest priorities. The Davincians are waiting for Phase 2 — essential supplies from Earth.

In the meantime, they reuse everything that might be useful.

“Aram, however, has another theory entirely. ‘I bet you this needle is from Tiu. She always hated me.’ ‘She hated everyone. Besides, Tui only died …’ Dee stops and looks away. Tui died almost two orbits ago, which is perfect timing for this brand-new bone needle.” — Page 3, Mars Awakens.

It’s not only resources that are scarce at Davinci. Y’s, the Davinci term for males, are extremely rare. Y’s spend their lives in the tunnels, protected and guarded by their Futurekeepers.

While out gardening, Dee spots a plummeting blaze in the sky. Something that deploys a parachute — could it be Phase 2? Dee sets out to investigate. Instead of Phase 2, she finds a crash site and discovers a pilot. A pilot, not from Earth but from Newton, another Mars colony.

To Dee, Holt is a precious commodity. An unregistered Y that needs to be protected at all costs. But to Holt, Dee is an Other.

Holt stares at the Other as it collapses to the ground, like he just evacuated its hopes and dreams out of the waste disposal. It’s not what he expected. He was envisioning a bit more gnashing teeth and a little less vulnerability. Something that didn’t so much look like a human. — Page 59, Mars Awakens.

The two Martian colonies are rivals, both fed lies about each other. As they sort through the misconceptions, Dee and Holt learn to trust each other. A process that repeats when Chayse arrives to rescue Holt.

Holt and Chayse studied the Davinci colony in school. They’ve bought into the misinformation presented to them without question. They believe Davinci’s ways to be ill-considered and wrong. That to be Davincian is to be subhuman. In contrast, for Dee, ‘newton’ is no longer a word that describes a colony but a companion word to silly.

As the three teenagers sort through their differences, they discover a bigger threat than each other. There is a true “Other.” One which threatens their survival and chases them across the Martian landscape…

Littered throughout the text is evidence of Waugh’s scientific background. The harsh realities of living on a terraformed Martian landscape are presented logically. The technology is both believable and adaptable. Waugh’s writing is tight, solidifying the Martian environment and firmly establishing the rivalries between the two colonies.

But this isn’t merely a (much-needed) Sci-Fi novel for younger readers, it’s a reflection of our society and the prejudices with which we live. It allows young readers to explore some big issues. Issues like misinformation, ingrained prejudices, trust and identifying human commonalities.

Mars Awakens is the first part of a duology. Like all good duologies it raises more questions than it answers. More importantly, Mars Awakens does what the first book in a good duology should — it whets the reader’s appetite for part two.

Sandi Parsons is an award-winning school librarian with over 20 years experience working in educational libraries. She lives with her favorite husband and two problem puppies. She believes there is no such thing as too many books.

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