About the book: 2023 / A science fiction novel that opens the Lady Astronaut trilogy. Winner of the Nebula, Sidewise, Hugo, and " Locus" and the Julie Verlanger Award 2021. Finalist "Hugo" in the category "Best Book Series". Included in the Locus bestseller list, book of the year according to Publishers Weekly, winner of the RUSA Reading List for Science Fiction of the American Library Association. On a cold spring night in 1952, a huge meteorite destroyed much of the East Coast of the United States, including Washington. The ensuing climate crisis and ecological catastrophe in the near future will make the planet uninhabitable, as once happened in the age of dinosaurs. The looming threat requires a radical acceleration of the space program in hopes of migration and colonization of space. Elma York's experience as an aviator and mathematician with the Women's Air Force Pilot Service allows her to take part in the project to land a man on the moon as a computer scientist. But Elma does not immediately understand why a large number of experienced and qualified female pilots participating in the program cannot fly into space. Elma's desire to become the first lady astronaut is so strong that inner demons, psychological traumas of the past and even the most ingrained stereotypes of society stand no chance against her. “This is what NASA never had - a heroine with character.” – Wall Street Journal “In her novel, Mary Robinette Kowal creates an alternate history involving space travel that reminds me of everything I love...” - Cady Coleman, Astronaut “The Lady Astronaut series may be set in the past, but such topical science fiction novels say a lot about the present.” - The Verge "Readers will love the story of this 'lady astronaut.'" - Publishers Weekly "A fine balance between historical accuracy, including sexism, racism, mid-twentieth century technology, and thoughtful storytelling." – Booklist “Kowal’s book was a revelation for me because this is a version of history in which men finally listen to women.” – Tor.com “If you like: women scientists and women astronauts, space science, romance, historical struggles for equality, if you read or watched “Hidden Figures” and liked it, if you watched the documentary “Mercury 13” ( about real women who passed secret tests to become astronauts in the 60s), then please don't miss this book." – Kirkus “Readers will be hooked.” – Library Journal “Kowal has created a story about how we can build a better future.” – Escapist Magazine “This is a book about resilience, about strength in the face of injustice, about resistance as a flag against the politics of oppression. There were parts of this book that made me cry. From rage, from defiance, from support and from triumph.” – Utopia State of Mind