Review of the Novel: Mickey7 by Edward Ashton
In the chilling world of Niflheim, a human colony thrives amidst the icy wasteland. At the heart of this tale is Mickey Barnes, the protagonist of Edward Ashton's acclaimed novel Mickey7.
Mickey Barnes is no ordinary colonist. As an Expendable, he is a reprintable human, designed for dangerous tasks that others would shun. His role is crucial for the survival of the interstellar colonies, as he recycles organic materials like waste, corpses, and plant matter.
The book, which was previewed in theaters in December 2024 as the movie Mickey17, has been compared to The Martian and Project Hail Mary in terms of content. However, unlike its R-rated film adaptation, Mickey17 is not indicative of the content's suitability for a PG-13 rating, as it contains scenes of medium violence, high language, and low sexual content.
Mickey7 follows Mickey Barnes' journey as he grapples with the social stigma associated with being an Expendable. His life takes a dramatic turn when a mission goes wrong, leaving him questioning his identity and the nature of self when the body can be replaced but memories remain.
The novel delves deep into themes such as mortality and identity, expendability and human value, survival and sacrifice, and friendship and humanity. The tone of the book is a unique blend of sharp, offbeat science fiction and darkly humorous reflections on immortality and sacrifice.
As the story unfolds, Mickey Barnes finds himself in a moral dilemma. He must choose between hiding the fact that he is a multiple, risking permanent death, or killing Mickey8 for the good of the colony and himself.
Before becoming an Expendable, Mickey Barnes was a historian, a limp-noodle, run-away type of person who struggled to find his place in the colony. Yet, despite the grim circumstances, his relationships, including his girlfriend, highlight the persistence of human connection.
One reader, who gave the book a 5/5 star rating, found the book to give major vibes of The Martian, their favorite book. However, another reader found the parts of the story dealing with the first contact with the planet's native creatures confusing.
Despite the movie adaptation of Mickey17, the reader has not mentioned any specific book they picked up due to liking the film. Nonetheless, Mickey7 stands as a compelling exploration of life, death, and identity in a science fiction context, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
Mickey Barnes' previous life as a historian provides him with entertainment in the form of books when he's not preoccupied with his responsibilities as an Expendable. Desiring to maintain the connection with his humanity, Mickey Barnes often immerses himself in these books as a means of escape, if only for a brief moment, from the harsh realities of Niflheim.
