This Kingdom of Dust book club questions

The whole world has just watched Neil and Buzz walk on the Moon, but now, they’re struck by terror. Unlike the real mission, which was a success, This Kingdom of Dust considers how the story would’ve gone had the mission failed. In this alternate telling, the lunar module’s engine fails. If the astronauts can’t fix the problem, they’ll slowly run out of oxygen and die.

With page-turning suspense, emotional heft and amazing characters, this book will reframe what the moon landing meant – not only for the astronauts – but for all of humankind.

Discussion points and questions

• This Kingdom of Dust carries ‘the weight of history’. How do you feel about major events in history being reimagined in fiction?
• After an enormous amount of reading and research, the author set himself strict guidelines and rules for the elements of fact he must adhere to and those he could exploit for narrative purpose. How did he go? Was he respectful?
• How early in the novel did you become aware you were reading a novel inside a novel, with a twist? Was the author judicious or generous in the flags he planted?
• What does the title This Kingdom of Dust refer to?
• First published in 1963, Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique was a radical bestseller. In it the author says of North American woman ‘she was afraid to ask even of herself the silent question - 'Is this all?’’ Aquarius believes Joan and the other astrowives are ‘raging against their cage’. How did you find his reading of these women and their roles?
• Aquarius ‘hated machines’. He felt ‘America was in love with them’. How do you feel about machines and our passion for new devices?
• The author ensures that readers understand the broader context of this radical period in history, where inequalities, gender, race, participation in wars and so many big social issues were being interrogated. How do you feel about the money spent on the space program in this context?
• Aquarius asks, ‘Did men and women battle too hard against mortality?’ What do you think?
• How did you find the relationship between Buzz and Neil?
• Religion, faith and atheism are explored across This Kingdom of Dust. What role does faith play in epic moments in science and history?
• After reading This Kingdom of Dust, acclaimed writer Ceridwen Dovey said, ‘You’ll never look at the moon in quite the same way again’. Does this reflect your feelings?

Interested? Start reading This Kingdom of Dust.