By Laura Ferrero

“Most of the drawings were headed with variations on the theme of “Best dad in the world”. On mine, dedicationless, in dazzling silver letters I had written simply Houston.“

Based on an episode in the author’s own life, this novel offers a new perspective on the meaning of the word “family”. Following the protagonist from early childhood through to adulthood, we see how decisions made by our parents can shape our perception of our selves, for better or for worse. Interspersed with mini essays on the men and women involved in the space race of the 60s and 70s, The Astronauts tells the story of a marriage that was never meant to be, and a space-obsessed little girl’s journey into adulthood.