«The Wanderers» by Meg Howrey

As they look to the stars, what are they missing back home?

'Phenomenal. A transcendent journey into the mysteries of space and self. Howrey's expansive vision left me awestruck' RUTH OZEKI, author of A Tale for the Time Being

Helen Kane may not be the best mother in the world, but she is one of the world's best astronauts and when, at fifty-three, she's offered a chance to train for the first crewed mission to Mars, she doesn't hesitate.

She and her fellow astronauts Sergei and Yoshihiro will be confined in a desert facility, striving to prove themselves, while outside their loved ones – Helen’s actress daughter, Sergei’s teenage son, and Yoshi's lonely businesswoman wife Madoka – pursue complex explorations of their own. All six will find themselves confronting the bonds of love and loyalty, sacrifice and desire. Station Eleven meets We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves in this brilliantly witty and inventive novel of ambition, endeavour and family.

'An astounding, insightful, exhilarating ride' HELEN SEDGWICK, author of The Comet Seekers

'A stealthily brilliant novel. A distinct, shimmering vision of who we are … at once simple, gorgeous and profoundly moving' PETER NICHOLS, author of The Rocks