Tess Gerritsen - Gravity

Synopsis

When Emma and her peers boarded their ship, they had every intention of coming back to earth to share the results of their research. However, no one could have imagined that they would return in body bags to be studied and dissected after being infiltrated by one of their research subjects. Despite Emma’s efforts to save her colleagues, the situation was unprecedented, leaving her stranded in space as she waited to meet the same fate as those around her

Likes

The story starts with Dr Stephen D. Ahearn submerging himself approximately 7,000 meters below the sea’s surface. I was confused by what I was reading at first and had to check the blurb again to ensure that it was supposed to be about space, but once I had gotten near the end of the book, everything fell into place, and I could see why this introduction was integral in building the story. The story was clearly very well planned out, detailed and effectively executed throughout. There was never a dull moment which made it easy to enjoy and engage with

There wasn’t a single character I disliked. Each added to the story by helping the events unfold or by strengthening the reader’s affinity for them. For example, Luther, the most affable character, was the only one unaffected by the archaeon yet his death was arguably the most tragic and casted an air of bleakness, suggesting that if someone who wasn't infected couldn’t make it home, Emma didn’t stand a chance. Even Griggs had some depth to him when I got to him know a little to the point that I was almost saddened by his death. All the main characters propelled the story in some way, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing about any of them

I really liked the use of foreshadowing with the mice. Each time Kenichi would check on them, there were always more deaths that he couldn’t explain, reflecting the future that he himself would also succumb to. It was as though he was watching his own death unfold, with the mice representing himself and his colleagues. As a reader, it was quite eerie as I knew that they were going to die but just didn’t know when. The use of this technique was effective in casting a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness as it became increasingly apparent that no one would make it home alive. Even with this knowledge, I still couldn’t help but grow more attached to the characters, despite knowing that their lives would be cut short. The author cleverly executed this use of foreshadowing and made me more invested in the story as even though I knew how it would end for them; I still hoped that I might be wrong

Dislikes

There were quite a few side characters to the point that I did get a bit confused with who was who and stopped paying attention when new people were introduced. Although I don’t think that it took away from the story, I would have preferred to not have so many different people to keep up with and would rather the focus be on the main characters and getting to know them more. For example, Griggs wasn’t the most likeable but I appreciated getting to know him and his future plans so it would have been nice to have gotten to know Diana and Nicolai a bit also over the new characters

There was a lot of jargon used which makes sense as I imagine that this is how people within the aerospace industry would communicate with one another, as with in any profession, but it was a little difficult to get the full context of what was being said. Although the author counteracts this by having a section towards the end of the book where we can see what the abbreviations stand for, I would further argue that having to frequently flip back and forth disrupted the flow of the story to the point that I just decided to continue reading even if I didn’t fully understand, so as to not have that interruption

General Thoughts

Jack and Emma were so silly. All they had to do was have an open and honest conversation with one another to realise that they still loved each other. Had it not been for Emma almost dying, they both would have stood in their stubbornness and gotten divorced. But I’m glad that it was not the case and they did end up back together. I also thought it was admirable that Jack was willing to die just to be with Emma. I wasn’t expecting a love story but I’m glad that I got one and I appreciate that it didn’t consume too much of the story

With how thorough everyone was in finding out what happened and why, I was surprised that Bill faced no repercussions. Although the archaeon shouldn’t have been sent up to space, it was in a sealed tube and only got out because Bill didn’t secure it well enough. Regardless of it being sent up, surely some of the investigations would have traced back to Bill and found him to be partially responsible?

Luther’s death was the worst one for me. He was so charismatic and gregarious that it was near impossible to dislike him. He was easily my favourite character which made his death all the more heartbreaking. And what’s worse is that he really thought he was going home but everyone knew that his death was imminent. What really added to this was when he asked if someone would be able to meet him to help him get out of the EMU but ‘No one responded. No one had the heart to’. I can’t imagine what it was like for Capcom to try to keep Luther’s spirits up in those last few seconds

Rating

Gravity was well written and kept me engaged throughout - there was great attention to detail and I loved the foreshadowing. All the characters added to the story in some way, and I enjoyed getting to know them and exploring the relationships they had with one another. Overall, the storyline was great and there was never a dull moment

Based on this, I would give this book a 4/5

Would I Recommend?

Science Fiction has never really been a genre that I’ve gravitated towards so once I read what it was about, I didn’t think that I would enjoy it. Although I was a bit confused with how it started, I’m glad that I continued reading and gave it an honest chance as I really enjoyed it! The author did a great job of getting me interested in a genre I would normally avoid, and I think that she would have the same effect on others through this book. So yes, I would recommend this book – to those who enjoy this genre and to those who are interested in exploring something new due to how compelling it is

Favourite Quotes

‘I won’t ever touch the stars, but I can be here to see that others do’

‘Not a weapon was drawn, but the threat was apparent’

‘If no one really knew Gordon Obie, it was because he saw no reason to reveal himself’

‘For the last two years he had loved her’

‘While I can type these words, this is what I most want to say. I love you. I have never stopped loving you. They say that no one who stands poised at the doorway to eternity steps through it with a lie on his lips. They say that deathbed confessions are always to be believed. And this is mine’

‘Your beautiful hair. I have always loved your hair. I have always loved you’

‘You will live’

‘’He’s halfway in love with you, you know.’                                                                                         

‘Gordie?’ She laughed. ‘I can’t imagine.’                                                                                                      

‘And you know what I can’t imagine?’ he said softly, pulling her close beside him in the cockpit. ‘That any man wouldn’t be’'