Chris Hadfield Launches New Novel at Sold-Out Event in Orangeville

On October 26, 2023, Canadian astronaut and author Chris Hadfield captivated a packed audience at the Opera House in Orangeville, Ontario, during a talk centered around his newest novel, Final Orbit. This book is the third installment of his acclaimed Apollo Murders series, set against the backdrop of the Cold War space race.

Final Orbit transports readers to 1957, where a joint mission involving three NASA astronauts and three Soviet cosmonauts faces an unexpected disaster that claims three crew members. As the story unfolds, the emergence of a third power, with China preparing to send its first man into space, adds layers of tension and intrigue to the narrative. Hadfield expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s been very delightful to have been able to release a book into the wild.”

A Lifelong Passion for Writing

Hadfield, known for his engaging storytelling, has nurtured a passion for writing since childhood, starting with short stories as a teen. He initially hesitated to publish until he felt he had sufficient life experience to warrant sharing his insights. Reflecting on his early career, Hadfield recalled, “When I was a brand-new astronaut, I was approached to write a biography, to which I said, ‘a biography? I haven’t done anything yet.’”

His literary journey took a pivotal turn when he was invited to write an introduction for Ray Bradbury’s classic, The Martian Chronicles. This opportunity led a UK-based publisher to suggest he explore fiction, which ultimately resulted in the creation of the Apollo Murders series. Hadfield noted, “Once I got selected as an astronaut, and because Canada has almost no astronauts, you have to go out and speak a lot.”

In his conversations with audiences, he discovered that people were not only interested in the technical aspects of space travel but were also eager to understand the human experience behind those facts. “If I tell you facts and figures of a space shuttle, you won’t remember them. But if I tell you what it was like to fly one, and slip in some facts, you might remember them,” he explained.

Community Engagement Through Literature

The success of Hadfield’s Apollo Murders series reflects a broader trend of community engagement in the arts, exemplified by Theatre Orangeville’s Authors on Stage series. This initiative, in collaboration with BookLore, aims to promote local arts and culture by hosting various authors. Theatre Orangeville emphasized that each ticket sold contributes to the New Play Development (NPD) Fund, supporting Canadian playwrights and fostering new stories.

Hadfield’s event was not just an isolated occurrence; it marked the beginning of a lineup featuring notable authors. Upcoming speakers include Alan Doyle on November 23, 2023, and Adams Shoalts on December 2, 2023, with the latter event having limited tickets still available.

Theatre Orangeville’s initiative underscores the importance of literature in fostering community connections and enriching local culture. As Hadfield continues to share his journey from astronaut to author, his work not only inspires readers but also contributes to a thriving literary landscape in Canada.