The novel is set in the 23rd Century. One hundred years previously, the people of Mars have declared their independence from the Terrans (Earth) who had set up mankind on Mars. Conflict and separation became hallmarks of the time until one of the founders of the Mars Republic opened up diplomatic channels between the two planets. Five years before the novel begins, a group of teenagers from Mars were sent to Earth, age 13, to act as ambassadors. Upon their return, they are accompanied by a delegation of Terrans to establish further trade and diplomatic ties.
The peace between the two worlds is a fragile one. After viewing each other with suspicion, and even hatred, for a relatively long period of time, something simple could shatter the hard-won peace.
Luoying, the main character, is the granddaughter of the Consul of Mars. However, upon her return she discovers that she was sent in someone else's place. This is the tip of the iceberg, however, in terms of the secrets she discovers in the greater politics of Mars, and even in her own family.
Feeling constantly torn between Mars and Earth, she wonders if she can even have a place of either world, any more, and feel at peace there. Her friends, fellow Mercury Group ambassadors (the group who went to Earth) speak increasingly of revolution as they see the system on Mars being more restrictive than egalitarian.
On a macro level, the two worlds seem to be examinations of extreme capitalism (Earth) and socialism (Mars). The novel concludes that neither system is far from perfect, and despite the pros and cons of both, changes to either system would bring more problems. This seems pessimistic, but it is realistic as well. With Mars having such finite resources, it was understandable how they had to develop the system they did.
Both in breadth and depth, this novel is highly impressive. Hao Jingfang writes about this world on Mars so convincingly one could easily believe it was real, or at least could be a possibility in the future. Despite the length, it doesn't get dull. In fact, each chapter brings a new revelation, a new and interesting understanding of life on Mars and its complex relationship with Earth.
The characters are completely endearing, too. Although Luoying seems passive and indecisive at times, it's understandable given her dilemma between having to choose between the worlds. Throughout the novel, though, she grows into herself, becoming more adventurous, taking risks, and even stopping a potentially fatal insurgence towards the end.
I have to give a shout-out to the translator, Ken Liu, as well. He has done a superb job of translating tricky concepts and lots of technical know-how in the book that I hope the author would be thrilled with. The result is a very moving, thought-provoking and, on many occasions, beautiful read.
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