Green Mars

Kim Stanley Robinson

Book 2 in Robinson's Mars Trilogy (started in Red Mars). In this second volume, we pick up after the failed revolution of 2061 with the underground scattered and the Transnational Corporations now transitioning into Metanational Corporations (actually taking over multiple nations) and effectively destroying the UN as a decision making organization. Again, traversing approximately 50 years, we follow the leaders of the underground political movements (notice plural form) as they recover and rediscover their purpose. The movements are basically anarchic in form and over the course of the 50 years, a few leaders of each faction (mostly the from the first hundred or 1st generation native) work to try to organize a cohesive and meaningful rebellion. A convention is held to discuss principles of organization for an independent Mars. I find two things interesting about this novel: First, the detailed and careful descriptions of the land and terraforming process of trying to develop a biosphere and Second, the chaos associated with developing a new political entity. The descriptions and events around the political development of a Free Mars is fascinating and makes me think about the reality of the development of the American political system. In the historical textbook way of thinking, George Washington led the revolution and everybody did what he said. In reality, the frustrations and lack of communications and rogue, reactionary groups were probably a dominant part of the entire "revolution". I also particularly like the struggle and tension between advocates of violent revolution and those who are insisting on alternatives. Robinson actually takes time to outline the implications of creating something new and not settling into old forms of "kill the bad guys". Looking forward to the finale.

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