If you are looking for a new read, Yasmin Williamson has a recommendation that will have you questioning the reality of humanity

Ray Bradbury has blessed the literary world with his invigorating novel, with a timeless style of dystopian story telling. The Martian Chronicles will leave any reader free falling through its pages of madness and honesty. A tale of attempts to colonise mars, where astronauts are not met with open arms from the Martians. However, as more people arrive on the red planet, their baggage of bias is brought with them. What once plagued their own planet, will now plague the new.

A story of two worlds, two apocalypses, and a harrowing sense of relatability to our own society. Human natures need for self-destruction and self-renewal are posed against each other masterfully by the author. 

With the novel first being published in 1951, it has managed to immortalise itself. Bradbury is most celebrated for his science fiction, post-apocalyptic approach to stories. His works serve as a warning to mankind and the destruction we will inflict on ourselves. Which is exactly what is portrayed in The Martian Chronicles. But what’s so encaptivating about a damaged society? We all like a bad guy, a broken soul we can save. But what do we do when we are our own enemy.When we are the ones needing to save ourselves from damnation? Bradbury showcases his talent, within this novel, for displaying our species as the bringer of death. Almost in a self-pitiful way. Even the Martians within the novel are aware of the destruction that earth dwellers bring.

We are a harbourer of war and disease. As foretold in this tale. 

The book is a commentary on our society. But can also be read in a simpler way. You could read it as a child, venturing into the abyss of space travel. Or to take warning from the Martian chronicles. As is that not the point of our beloved dystopian media? For it to prevent mistakes in our advancement? Or is it to make that big buck? Maybe that is apocalyptic in its own way. 

Overall, as I dived deeper into the book, I felt as if I was Alice, falling down my very own rabbit hole. With each layer revealing something more profound and meaningful. It made me question my own existence. It invoked a sense of duty, and to do better. To read on further. I also just love a good space book; of places I can only visit through the use of my own imagination. I applaud the books versatility, and its eagerness to scarethrough honesty. I’d recommend the book to any person who maddens themselves with the thought of the end of the world. Or even if you just want to venture to mars yourself for a few hours. The Martian Chronicles will paint the scenery beautifully for you.