The Terranauts (novel)
The Terranauts (original title: The Terranauts ) is a novel by the US writer TC Boyle from 2016, which tells the story of an attempt to recreate a complete, self-sufficient ecosystem for 8 people who are supposed to live in it for two years. The book was published in German in 2017, translated by Dirk van Gunsteren .
background
The Biosphere 2 project served as a model. A billionaire is funding the Ecosphere 2 project : a closed ecosystem with savannah, ocean, tropical rainforest, agriculture and living space. The aim is to gain knowledge of possible manned bases on the moon or Mars and for long-term travel. This involves considerable technical effort - with pumps, filter systems and fans. A complete and self-sufficient life support system is to be created. The system should be completely self-sufficient for the duration of the experiment, with the exception of electricity and communication.
action
Eight women and eight men with different qualifications undergo a selection process, half are selected to live in Ecosphere 2 as the second group for two years. After their predecessors, the first group, prematurely terminated their stay, the second group is under increased pressure to succeed. The "lockup" is carried out with great media sympathy: the eight new residents move into the premises, nobody and nothing can get in or out. The unselected half supports the experiment in the outdoor area and at the same time forms the selection group for the third group that has already been planned.
The story is told from the perspective of three people: the livestock keeper Dawn Chapman , Ramsay Roothoorp , who is responsible for communication and water management, and Dawn's "best" friend Linda Ryu . Dawn was preferred in the selection process to Linda, who continues after the first disappointment in the away team and hopes to be part of the upcoming third group. Everyone has to get used to the stresses and strains of the restricted living space. The food rations are scarce. Relationships between some members develop into difficulties, two pairs are formed, and jealousies simmer. Celebrations bring structure to the same sequence of days; this includes the equinoxes of the day and night and Christmas - the darkest times with the lowest agricultural yields. Depressive moods are to be counteracted with theatrical performances. The presentation of the project in the media is very important to the management of the company in the field team.
A momentum develops in the group, while the management of the away team tries to steer the project in their own way. There are incidents: A Galago is killed by a member of its own and a power failure endangers the oxygen supply. Dawn Chapman's pregnancy becomes the greatest burden for everyone involved.
construction
The 603-page novel is divided into 4 chapters:
- Before inclusion
- Inclusion: year one
- Inclusion: year two
- Re-entry
In each chapter, the three protagonists - Dawn Chapman , Ramsay Roothoorp and Linda Ryu - take turns with a description from their personal perspective, whereby the reader is also addressed directly. The style is reminiscent of a subsequent protocol.
reception
“You are committed to the cause, you feel chosen, that drives you - and every now and then, at least, you get a doubt: Is there something sect about the whole thing? Should they devote their whole life to this mission? Aren't they presented like animals in a zoo? They always have to cut a good figure, also because of the commercial side ... In the end, that is the arid realization of this long-winded, gossiped novel, the most utopian person is always in his own way. "
book
- TC Boyle: Die Terranauten , from the American by Dirk van Gunsteren, Carl Hanser Verlag, Munich 2017, ISBN 978-3-446-25386-5 .
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Gerrit Bartels: If a lot goes in, nothing comes out In: Tagesspiegel , January 11, 2017 - review