Antarctica (novel)
Science fiction novel set in Antarctica by Kim Stanley Robinson.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
Kim Stanley Robinson’s 1997 science fiction novel *Antarctica* follows a range of people living or visiting a research station on the southern continent. The story mostly takes place at McMurdo Station, the United States’ largest Antarctic base, and uses Robinson’s trademark multiple viewpoints to explore polar life. Among the characters are X, an idealistic young General Field Assistant; Val, a trek guide growing more bitter; and Wade Norton, an aide to California Senator Phil Chase (both Wade and Phil later appear in Robinson’s *Science in the Capital* trilogy). The plot also visits the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station, the Shackleton Glacier, the McMurdo Dry Valleys, and a South American drilling platform near Roberts Massif.
The novel revisits themes common in Robinson’s work, such as sustainable living and surviving in a harsh environment, much like his Mars trilogy. It contrasts Antarctica’s role as a “continent for science” with the need to support the staff who keep the place running. Other recurring ideas include rock climbing, physical fitness, the nature of science, resource extraction, and the emergence of cooperative or anarchic social structures. Robinson’s 1995 stay in Antarctica through the National Science Foundation’s Artists and Writers Program heavily shaped the book. *Antarctica* was nominated for a Locus Award in 1998. Though thoroughly researched and generally realistic, some reviews noted that heavy technical and historical details occasionally slowed the narrative.
- author
- Kim Stanley Robinson
- published
- 1997
- genre
- Science fiction
- nationality
- American
- setting
- Antarctica
- nominated_for
- Locus Award (1998)
Lore & Background
Most of the story centers on McMurdo Station, the largest settlement in Antarctica, which is run as a scientific research station by the United States. Robinson's characteristic multi-protagonist style is used here to show many aspects of polar life; the viewpoints presented include those of X, an idealistic young man working as a General Field Assistant at McMurdo; Val, an increasingly embittered trek guide; and Wade Norton, who works for California Senator Phil Chase (Wade and Phil also appear in the Science in the Capital trilogy). In addition to McMurdo, the story involves the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station, the Shackleton Glacier, the McMurdo Dry Valleys and a South American drilling platform near Roberts Massif.
Reader's Guide
Antarctica involves many of the ideas that Robinson uses elsewhere; as in the Mars trilogy, significant emphasis is placed on the importance of living sustainably and the issues of existing in a hostile environment. The significance of Antarctica as a 'continent for science' is contrasted with the need to provide a decent environment also for the support staff essential in a place so marginal. Other recurring themes include rock-climbing, physical athleticism, the process and ideology of science, exploitation of natural resources, and the formation of cooperative and anarchic social systems. The novel was heavily influenced by Robinson's 1995 stay in Antarctica through the National Science Foundation's Antarctic Artists and Writers Program. Although the novel was thoroughly researched and generally realistic, some reviews noted that the book was slowed down in places by heavy technical and historic detail.
Did You Know?
- The novel was nominated for a Locus Award in 1998.
- Robinson's 1995 stay in Antarctica through the National Science Foundation's Antarctic Artists and Writers Program heavily influenced the novel.
- Characters Wade Norton and Phil Chase also appear in the Science in the Capital trilogy.
- The story includes locations such as McMurdo Station, Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station, and the Shackleton Glacier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Antarctica (novel)?
Antarctica is a 1997 science fiction novel by American writer Kim Stanley Robinson that uses an ensemble cast to portray life in the polar region. It earned a nomination for the 1998 Locus Award.
Where does Antarctica (novel) take place?
Most of the action centers on McMurdo Station, the United States' largest research base on the continent, though the narrative also moves to other Antarctic locations as different characters' stories unfold.
Who are the main characters in Antarctica (novel)?
The novel follows several figures, including X (an idealistic young General Field Assistant), Val (a trek guide who grows increasingly bitter), and Wade Norton (an aide to California Senator Phil Chase). Wade and Phil later resurface in Robinson's Science in the Capital trilogy.
What is Antarctica (novel) actually about?
Rather than driving toward a single climactic plot, the book uses Robinson's hallmark multi-perspective structure to examine the politics, routines, and interpersonal tensions of people working, researching, and visiting in the extreme polar environment.
How does Antarctica (novel) connect to other Kim Stanley Robinson works?
Wade Norton and Senator Phil Chase, two of the novel's recurring figures, go on to appear in Robinson's later Science in the Capital trilogy, tying the Antarctic setting into his broader body of political science fiction.
More in Novels by Kim Stanley Robinson 1-22
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