Stowaway to Mars - John Wyndham

John Wyndham (1903-1969) is considered a pioneer of science fiction and horror, though he preferred to think of himself as a logical fantasist. He began writing science fiction and detective stories in the 1920s, but shifted to science fiction post-WWII, focusing on themes of disaster, invasion, and first contact. His best-known works include The Day of the Triffids (1951) and The Midwich Cuckoos (1957). A pacifist and socialist, Wyndham was alive to the impact of sexism, classism, and prejudice and his novels reflect his liberal politics.