Thomcat
3/20/2023
Pre-war science fiction by John Wyndham under another name, this has similarities to early Heinlein and other pulp authors. I like the Martians and mechanicals, but attempted rape is not a welcome addition to this novel.
The idea of a "prize" for first to land on Mars and return drives the plot, and the "stowaway" sub-plot is initially subordinate. This novel was first published as "Planet Plane" and then "The Space Machine". The writing is fairly good, though it lacks the subtle horror of Wyndham's later works.
What was an okay pulp novel is pulled down by misogyny and attempted rape, along with the eventual kidnapping of the woman in question and the "oh well" attitude of the rest of the crew. Painful to read or explain to anyone.
There is a sequel, though to explain why may involve spoilers. I'll probably not pick it up anytime soon.