The moon and stars have been synonymous with romantic scenes since the start of time. Once again, the science of astronomy brings two people together in Thomas Mallon’s “Two Moons.”

Hand calculations and telescope monitoring were the most sophisticated tools available in early 1877. Astronomy was a slow and often imprecise study at that time.

Cynthia May can be described as a human computer. Her grasp of mathematics has enabled her to land a position at the U.S. Naval Observatory. May is a pioneer in a field that has been heavily dominated by males.

Hugh Allison is a young, talented astronomer. His ambitions and dreams could lead him to an early grave. However, could May be the one to slow him down?

Two other characters that also influence the story are Mary Costello and Roscoe Conkling. Costello is a “planet reader” that guides May in her personal life. Conkling is a bored senator with too much power.

The story revolves around the discovery of two moons in orbit around Mars. The fanfare and intrigue surrounding this discovery is what brings the characters together.

May and Allison’s blossoming love affair also underlines the major plot. Allison wants to become immortalized in time. May wants to help him accomplish that goal even if it means tricking Senator Conkling.

“Two Moons” is a sound and solid novel. Word usage and structure are expertly displayed in the text.

Thomas Mallon has envisioned an intriguing plot that uses fictional and real life characters. The events in the book are mixed ingeniously with actual historical accounts.

Development of characters is done with great care. Indeed, almost too much information is given leading to large unnecessary blocks of text.

Excessive use of dialogue followed by meticulously detailed settings slow the novel’s pace – this is definitely not a book that induces fast page turning.

Mallon gives the reader a taste of old America. It is a simpler time that still falls prey to love and passion.

“Two Moons” has been highly acclaimed, being named Best Book of the Year by “The Chicago Tribune,” “Newsday,” and “The Washington Post.” “The New York Times” named it Notable Book of the Year as well.

Aside from all the praise, this book will still only appeal to a select group. Occasional readers will have a hard time getting into this story line. There is little action and dreadfully low levels of suspense.

Beware – this work is teetering on the edge of boredom. Some will find the story romantic and heart warming. Others will give up reading after one chapter.

“Two Moons” is solid literature with subtle humor mixed in. Book lovers will consider reading the novel time well spent.