Ever wondered what happens when a rocket-fueled romance meets the vastness of space, only to leave you hanging? Taylor Jenkins Reid’s latest, ‘Atmosphere,’ takes us back to the 80s NASA program with its pioneering women, delivering an epic love story. But does it stick the landing, or will you be left craving more? Read our review to find out!
Taylor Jenkins Reid, a name synonymous with captivating narratives and compelling character studies, has once again graced the literary world with her latest offering, “Atmosphere.” This novel plunges readers into a vividly realized historical period, intertwining the personal aspirations of its characters with the monumental backdrop of the 1980s NASA Space Shuttle program. Fans eager for more of Reid’s signature style will find themselves immediately drawn into this ambitious tale, though its ultimate trajectory might surprise them.
Set against the dawn of an era when women first broke barriers in space exploration, “Atmosphere” unfolds as a poignant queer historical fiction. The narrative centers on Joan, a brilliant professor from Rice University, who courageously forsakes her academic career to chase an audacious dream: becoming one of NASA’s pioneering female astronauts. Her journey is not merely a professional one but a deep dive into self-discovery and resilience amidst a challenging, male-dominated environment.
Reid masterfully crafts Joan’s motivations, painting a portrait of a woman driven by an profound fascination with the cosmos. “Astronomy was history. Because space was time. And that was the thing [Joan] loved most about the universe itself. When you look at the red star Antares in the southern sky, you are looking over thirty-three hundred trillion miles away. But you are also looking more than five hundred years into the past,” Reid eloquently writes, encapsulating the protagonist’s intellectual and emotional connection to the universe.
The novel employs a dual-timeline structure, a narrative device that adds layers of suspense and foreshadowing, hinting at a future crisis while Joan’s past unfolds. Short, interspersed chapters offer glimpses into a space mission facing dire challenges, creating an unputdownable reading experience that keeps the reader on edge. This method of storytelling exemplifies Reid’s skill in blending historical detail with a gripping pace, characteristic of her engaging literary analysis.
Beyond the professional realm, Joan navigates complex personal relationships. Her closest ties are with her beloved niece, Frances, whom she helps raise alongside her sister Barbara, a figure less invested in her maternal responsibilities. The social dynamics among the astronaut candidates are also explored, with characters like Vanessa choosing a path of greater privacy, highlighting the varied personalities drawn to such a groundbreaking profession and adding depth to the NASA romance.
However, despite its many strengths, the Atmosphere Book delivers an ending that diverges sharply from the satisfaction many readers might anticipate from a traditional romance novel. It concludes with a sense of unresolved yearning, leaving a multitude of questions unanswered and a palpable desire for further developments. This inconclusive resolution might challenge some readers, yet it also sparks fervent speculation about potential future installments, an aspect often debated in book review discussions.
Ultimately, “Atmosphere” reaffirms Taylor Jenkins Reid’s rare talent for crafting compelling historical fiction while also echoing the intricate relationship studies that defined her earlier contemporary works. While it may not eclipse the literary heights of her acclaimed 2017 bestseller, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” it undeniably stands as one of the most memorable and thought-provoking new releases of the summer, solidifying her reputation for diverse and impactful storytelling.
