The Mars house by Natasha Pulley.

My rating: 5 (out of 5) stars

Like other recent novels, this is both a great story and a shrewd commentary on current times. Western exceptionalism turned on its head, refugees, language barriers, how to start a new life, gender issues, and politics are all woven into this engaging, engrossing sci-fi/fantasy/romance.

Life on Mars is difficult. Those who have adapted over generations can cope with the cold, the long, long winters, and the reduced gravity. Those who have recently arrived can't. However they have one advantage: strength. Earth strength. A strength that is both feared and needed by the resident population.

January Stirling is a British ballet dancer and now, bewildered environmental refugee on Mars. Aubrey Gale is a Chinese-heritage, Mars-born politician, head of his House and a candidate for Consul. This is their story and it's one that draws you in and makes you care, really care, about what happens along the way. It should also make you think and reflect. And maybe, also consider mammoths.