Set in Romania in 1989 in the days of Ceausescu's dictatorship this is a thriller whose resolution is hampered by the political paranoia and doublespeak that makes normal life virtually impossible. Constantin is a policeman tasked with attempting to solve a murder which thanks to its proximity to Ceausescu's hunting party means that not only does the location of the murder have to be moved to avoid difficult questions being asked, but when scarily similar murders start happening all over the country, it becomes even more of a political hot potato. Constantin's narrative is offset by the travails of Lia, a small girl with a big imagination who cannot understand why the adults in her life don't see the world she does. When her world and Constantin's start to bleed into each other, chaos erupts. This is tense, darkly funny and beautifully written.

I have seen and heard so many stories about communist Romania, but nothing like this book. The eyes of a child…such a fresh perspective, and so reflective. Loved it!

Absolutely loved Astronaut! It felt fresh and unique as it navigated heavy topics and political themes all while keeping a sense of wonder and character-driven plot at its core. It’s really well-paced, with unexpected twists and well-drawn characters. I loved the dual protagonists who seemingly couldn’t be any more different: a precocious small town girl and a police detective who both struggle with their place in both society and their own families.The political overlay feels essential to the plot and the author paints an enveloping picture of Soviet Romania and the struggle of ordinary people to decide what it is to be good in a totalitarian society where reality is less about truth and more about power. Rather than weighing too. heavily, the author navigates this with an absurdist sense of humor that works really well as the book navigates heavy subjects with a light touch. Watching this all play out through the eyes of an unruly child who just wants to fill the world with color was unique and delightful, as strange as that may be to say about about a novel about a serial killer.

Astronaut! by Oana Aristide is a darkly funny and deeply moving novel set in 1989 Communist Romania, blending detective plot and coming‑of‑age drama as a police detective and a rebellious schoolgirl navigate a world of rationing, betrayal, and state propaganda. It’s sharply satirical and vividly evocative of life under totalitarianism, capturing both the paranoia and resistance that define its characters’ lives. Aristide’s storytelling solidly balances suspense and historical insight - a truly unique voice. I'm excited to read more.

A wonderful book - on the surface a crime thriller as pit upon police officer tries to track down a serial killer …but really a look into the world of end of a regime in Soviet Romania in the late 80’s, viewed through the eyes of different citizens, most notably Lia who innocently, just wants more colour in her life.
In turns both comic and tragic and subtly written, the past lives of Constantin and his family are handled so beautifully and not overwritten. An exquisite book which I will highly recommend to all - thank you to net galley and the publisher for allowing me to enjoy this in advance