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The Woman Upstairs
Claire MessudClaire Messud 9780307596901

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The Gone-Away World

by Nick Harkaway

ISBN13: 9780307389077
ISBN10: 0307389073
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Staff Pick

This literary debut features the pre- and post-apocalyptic, plenty of kung fu, anti-corporate subplots, and its fair share of mimes. It's an epic that stuns and delights with its absurdities and profundities. Part cautionary tale of apocalyptic war (featuring a new type of bomb that makes things literally "go away") and part buddy adventure, The Gone-Away World is for anyone who enjoys a good romp. It has a tendency to wander a bit, and the author is not afraid to use his words, but it never fails to amuse. Also, ninjas are involved.
Recommended by Adam S., Powells.com

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

A hilarious, action-packed look at the apocalypse that combines a touching tale of friendship, a thrilling war story, and an all out kung-fu infusedmission to save the world.Gonzo Lubitch and his best friend have been inseparable since birth. They grew up together, they studiedmartial arts together, they rebelled in college together, and they fought in the Go-Away War together. Now, with the world in shambles and dark nightmarish clouds billowing over the wastelands, they have been tapped for an incredibly perilous mission. But they quickly realize that this assignment is not all it seems, and before it is over they will have encountered everything from mimes, ninjas, and pirates to one ultra-sinister mastermind, whose only goal is world domination. Unlike anything else, The Gone-Away World is a remarkable literary debut that will be remembered and rediscovered for years to come.

Synopsis:

This hilarious, action-packed book takes a look at the apocalypse that combines a touching tale of friendship, a thrilling war story, and an all-out kung-fu-infused mission to save the world.

About the Author

Nick Harkaway was born in Cornwall in 1972. He studied philosophy, sociology, and politics at Clare College, Cambridge, and then worked in the film industry. The Gone-Away World is his first novel. He lives in London with his wife.

What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 3 comments:

: jlreed7, January 2, 2013 (view all comments by jlreed7)
I didn't see that coming, and I mean that in the best possible way. I laughed, I cried, I recommended it to everybody and have bought it for a lucky few. An odd beginning, which can make you feel a little displaced, but since it's set in an alternate earth that's not a bad thing. You'll find your feet soon enough, and get them knocked out from under you again. I loved this book. Thanks Nancy Pearl, for continuing to recommend it. I'm in your debt.
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: MrsMoore, August 5, 2012 (view all comments by MrsMoore)
Tell us about Nick Harkaway's "The Gone-Away World", Mrs. Moore. Gosh! It's got sex (the nice kind, not the dirty kind), violence (not too graphic), mimes, evil ninjas, corporate malfeasance, political satire, mutants, bromance, true love, a dreadful childhood, a halcyon childhood, pretty nurses, a glimpse of heaven, exploding sheep, filthy dive bars, clean dive bars, muscular warriors, muscular trucks, incredibly intelligent women, kind old ladies, wise teachers, secret societies, armageddon, vast conflagrations, a wondrous number of subtle references to other books, all wrapped up in a wodehousian sense of humor. It's one of those rare books where the author stays humble in the background and lets the story tell itself. In a nutshell, it's really, really my kind of book.
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: Anne Schuessler, January 12, 2011 (view all comments by Anne Schuessler)
Simply the best book I read last year. Full of surprises, funny and emotional.
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Product Details

ISBN:: 9780307389077
Author:: Harkaway, Nick
Publisher:: Vintage Books USA
Subject:: Literary
Subject:: Fantasy fiction
Subject:: Science fiction
Subject:: Literature-A to Z
Edition Description:: Trade paper
Series:: Vintage Contemporaries
Publication Date:: 20090831
Binding:: TRADE PAPER
Grade Level:: General/trade
Language:: English
Pages:: 592
Dimensions:: 8.02 x 5.15 x 1.26 in 1 lb

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Fiction and Poetry » Science Fiction and Fantasy » A to Z

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