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Alas, Babylon is THE post-apocalyptic novel. First published in 1959, it remains the standard by which all other nuclear holocaust novels should be judged. The writing is accessible and easy, the language is compelling. The characters feel real, and we as readers feel for them. Their sorrows are our sorrows, and their triumphs are our trimuphs.
Starting about 48 hours before the Soviet Union and United States lauch massive nuclear strikes against one another, the novel follows protagonist Randy Bragg and other residents of Fort Repose, Florida in their efforts to survive and rebuild their lives and communities. Suddenly, the most basic amenities are a struggle, and life becomes both much more simple, and much, much harder. Survival is an uphill battle as the residents struggle with limited medical care, limited food, and the ever-present fear of radioactive fallout. Suddenly everything is potentially lethal, and some rise to the challenge, other give up, and still other revert to lawlessness. Still, there is hope, love, and birth.
It is important to note that Alas, Babylon was written in the late 1950s and some elements of the language reflect that. Though forward for the time it was written (the protagonist is very vocal about advancing desegregation), race relations are clearly strained, and the language reflects the time. The technology, of course, also reflects the 1950s. Even so, Alas, Babylon is as relevant now--or possibly more so--as it was 50 years ago.
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Alas, Babylon (Perennial Classics) by Pat Frank
weidmakm, January 29, 2010
Alas, Babylon is THE post-apocalyptic novel. First published in 1959, it remains the standard by which all other nuclear holocaust novels should be judged. The writing is accessible and easy, the language is compelling. The characters feel real, and we as readers feel for them. Their sorrows are our sorrows, and their triumphs are our trimuphs.Starting about 48 hours before the Soviet Union and United States lauch massive nuclear strikes against one another, the novel follows protagonist Randy Bragg and other residents of Fort Repose, Florida in their efforts to survive and rebuild their lives and communities. Suddenly, the most basic amenities are a struggle, and life becomes both much more simple, and much, much harder. Survival is an uphill battle as the residents struggle with limited medical care, limited food, and the ever-present fear of radioactive fallout. Suddenly everything is potentially lethal, and some rise to the challenge, other give up, and still other revert to lawlessness. Still, there is hope, love, and birth.
It is important to note that Alas, Babylon was written in the late 1950s and some elements of the language reflect that. Though forward for the time it was written (the protagonist is very vocal about advancing desegregation), race relations are clearly strained, and the language reflects the time. The technology, of course, also reflects the 1950s. Even so, Alas, Babylon is as relevant now--or possibly more so--as it was 50 years ago.
(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)