Story Analysis: Mickey7, by Edward Ashton
Sci-fi Spectacle:
Feeling let down after watching a movie trailer and wishing it was a book? That's exactly what happened to me after catching a glimpse of Mickey17. But hey, sometimes, life gives you lemons and you make lemonade. And that's exactly what I did when I discovered Mickey7 by Edward Ashton.
You see, Mickey17 had me hooked with its intriguing plot and the incredibly talented Robert Pattinson gracing the screen. The concept of a reprintable human taking on deadly jobs, only to be duplicated and brought back to life was downright captivating. I was disappointed when I saw the movie's rating, but my spirits soared when I learned it was based on a book!
Now, let me warn you, movies and books are two different beasts, and the intensity level might not always be the same. But I convinced myself I'd be fine with a DNF (Did Not Finish) if things went sour.
And boy, was I wrong! I absolutely devoured Mickey7.
Mickey Barnes is an Expendable, a clone working on dangerous space missions that are sure to kill him. From radiation exposure to testing new vaccines, Mickey's resume reads like a list of his own funerals. But enough's enough, and dying is the only way Mickey knows to make a living.
During a routine mission on Niflheim, Mickey meets a grizzly end after a fall down a crevasse. Left for dead by his fellow expedition members, Mickey miraculously survives with some native creature help and heads back to the bunker, only to find Mickey8 already tucked in his bed.
Now, Mickey faces a difficult choice: admit to being a multi, risking his life, or off Mickey8 to secure the colony's future.
What intrigued me most about Mickey7 was the creative concept of Expendables. Ashton expertly paints a picture of their necessity in space colonies, where material recycling and reusing bodies is crucial in a closed system. The novel delves into interesting topics such as the caloric cost of an extra person, the exploration of consciousness, and the debate over whether multiples are truly the same individuals.
Characterwise, Mickey Barnes is a fascinating protagonist. As a indecisive, go-with-the-flow kind of guy, Mickey is constantly grappling with social stigma due to his status as an Expendable. From religious fanatics who view him as an abomination to curious individuals who fetishize his situation, Mickey struggles to find his place in the colony's social hierarchy.
If you're a fan of The Martian and Project Hail Mary, I think you'll find a new favorite in Mickey7. Just be warned, the "R" movie rating may give you pause, but fear not - the content aligns more with a "PG-13" rating.
Content Warnings:
- Violence: Moderate - The book contains some graphic descriptions of dangerous space missions and sudden deaths, but they are presented in a narrative style that may not be overly disturbing for most readers.
- Language: High - A fair amount of strong language is used throughout the text.
- Sexual content: Low - Intimate scenes are largely implied or fade-to-black in nature.
- 4.5/5 stars
Ever picked up a book because you were intrigued by the movie adaptation? Why not share your choices with us in the comments below?
[1] Ashton, E. (2019). Mickey7. Orbit Books.
[2] Mulhall, R. (2020, October 2). 12 Mind-bending Science Fiction Books Like Project Hail Mary. Bustle. https://www.bustle.com/p/12-mind-bending-science-fiction-books-like-project-hail-mary-16242641
[3] Richardson, A. (2020, February 13). The Best Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books of 2020 (So Far). CNET. https://www.cnet.com/culture/books/the-best-sci-fi--fantasy-books-of-2020-so-far/
Intrigued by the film adaptation, you might find yourself drawn to the novel, just as I did with 'Mickey7'. This book offers an engaging exploration into topics like consciousness and social hierarchy, making it a great read for fans of 'The Martian' and 'Project Hail Mary'. Additionally, if you enjoy delving into books that offer thought-provoking insights into lifestyle, entertainment, and beyond, 'Mickey7' should certainly be on your must-read list.
