Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Harper Perennial Modern Classics
Pages
323
Description
Fiction. Science Fiction. "Alas, Babylon." Those fateful words heralded the end. When a nuclear holocaust ravages the United States, a thousand years of civilization are stripped away overnight, and tens of millions of people are killed instantly. But for one small town in Florida, miraculously spared, the struggle is just beginning, as men and women of all backgrounds join together to confront the darkness.
Description
“An extraordinary real picture of human beings numbed by catastrophe but still driven by the unconquerable determination of living creatures to keep on being alive.” —The New Yorker
“Alas, Babylon.” Those fateful words heralded the end. When the unthinkable nightmare of nuclear holocaust ravaged the United States, it was instant death for tens of millions of people; for survivors, it was a nightmare of hunger, sickness, and brutality. Overnight, a thousand years of civilization were stripped away.
But for one small Florida town, miraculously spared against all the odds, the struggle was only just beginning, as the isolated survivors—men and women of all ages and races—found the courage to come together and confront the harrowing darkness.
This classic apocalyptic novel by Pat Frank, first published in 1959 at the height of the Cold War, includes an introduction by award-winning science fiction writer and scientist David Brin.
“Alas, Babylon.” Those fateful words heralded the end. When the unthinkable nightmare of nuclear holocaust ravaged the United States, it was instant death for tens of millions of people; for survivors, it was a nightmare of hunger, sickness, and brutality. Overnight, a thousand years of civilization were stripped away.
But for one small Florida town, miraculously spared against all the odds, the struggle was only just beginning, as the isolated survivors—men and women of all ages and races—found the courage to come together and confront the harrowing darkness.
This classic apocalyptic novel by Pat Frank, first published in 1959 at the height of the Cold War, includes an introduction by award-winning science fiction writer and scientist David Brin.
Collection
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1959-03
Physical description
323 p.; 8 inches
ISBN
9780060741877
Similar in this library
Media reviews
Doom-minded and Cassandra-speaking, this author, who touched off the play in Mr. Adam in comic vein, and continued his warnings in Forbidden Area (1956) here looks at an all-out bombing that freezes and contaminates most of the United States. What happens to Fort Repose in central Florida- which
Show More
escapes the worst -- becomes an account of survival when, slowly learning that all props are out from under, some few citizens work out a make-do, or die, program. Heading up a colony that manages to exist is Randolph Bragg, whose Air Force brother gives him the word and the little chance to prepare for the disaster of Russian attack, and, with his brother's wife and children, some neighbors -- white and black -- he finds out many ways to circumvent encroaching death. Death through lack of medicine, electricity, communications, through the threats of epidemic, mob attack, highway marauding, decline of authority and the sudden regression that results from the loss of ""civilization"". Bragg's efforts -- and those of his group -- pull them through when yesterday's history becomes archaic and changed rules must govern changed conditions. When hope comes -- of rescue and victory -- does it matter -- to those who have survived? Contemporary Robinson-Crusoeing. Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member whitewavedarling
There's something different about this particular post-disaster book, not only in that it doesn't allow itself to dwell on the disaster, or fear or misery, present as the emotions are. Set in Florida, the book focuses on a small community that works to survive in the wake of a nuclear attack on the
I happened across this book by accident--I think it was the title and the cover that drew me in. Now, I'm only stunned that I never heard about in school, or while growing up. Three degrees' worth of reading in English/Writing programs, and I was never handed this? Well, I'm glad I happened onto it now. It's one I'll remember, and recommend.
Show More
U.S., when most of the nation is lost, and when most of life as they know it is lost. And yet, Frank's attention to detail and character allows for not just hard realisms, and realizations, but also hope -- and community. Yes, it is a bit dated; how could it not be, having been written in the 1950s? But at heart, it's character that drives the book, and the details of what was left in the wake of such an attack then aren't, I don't suppose, incredibly different from the details of what might be left now, or at any point in the future. Regardless, humanity is there in the heart of the book, and Frank's attentions to prejudices, to fears, and to what matters... well, they're incredible, and more clear than in any other speculative fiction of this nature that I've come across.I happened across this book by accident--I think it was the title and the cover that drew me in. Now, I'm only stunned that I never heard about in school, or while growing up. Three degrees' worth of reading in English/Writing programs, and I was never handed this? Well, I'm glad I happened onto it now. It's one I'll remember, and recommend.
Show Less
LibraryThing member ladycato
The one line summary of Alas, Babylon reads, "The classic apocalyptic novel that stunned the world." I can see why. The book was released in 1959, at the height of the Cold War. Nuclear war with Russia was a very real possibility. Even reading it now, in 2011, it's a tense and chilling novel.
The
And it happens. Earth is scorched by countless hydrogen bombs. It takes 100 pages to build up to that point. For some readers, that would be too slow. However, I loved it because this is a character-driven story. It was important to see how Randy reacted, with wisdom and stupidity, in the face of a coming cataclysm. The characters around him are just as vivid. I especially appreciated that the minority and females are just as complex, and the racism of the time is portrayed with vividness. After civilization crumbles, it's interesting how some things changed and yet others stayed the same.
An element that sets this book apart is optimism. The subject matter is bleak, no question, but it's encouraging to see how many people become something more in the face of adversity. One of my favorite characters, though very minor, is the town librarian. Before 'the Day,' she was ignored in town funding, couldn't even get air conditioning, and battled over censorship issues. After society collapses, the library becomes the center of the town. Everyone relies on books to teach them how to survive and to fill in hours between back-breaking labor. The librarian gladly bicycles miles to work everyday and feels like she has a noble purpose in life. Many of the other characters experience the same transition.
This is a book I am keeping on my shelf. There are some books that are dubbed "classics" out of habit, and others that earn it because their awe is timeless. Alas, Babylon is definitely the latter.
The
Show More
story follows several characters but largely revolves around the character of Randy, a Korean War veteran who has settled into his ancestral home and lives a very lackluster life. His brother works in high-level security for the Air Force. When Randy receives a coded message that his brother's wife and kids are coming to stay, one sentence stands out to him: "Alas, Babylon." As boys, they used to sneak down to the African-American church and listen to his hellfire sermons. As adults, the preacher's 'Alas, Babylon' became their code word for the imminent end of the world.And it happens. Earth is scorched by countless hydrogen bombs. It takes 100 pages to build up to that point. For some readers, that would be too slow. However, I loved it because this is a character-driven story. It was important to see how Randy reacted, with wisdom and stupidity, in the face of a coming cataclysm. The characters around him are just as vivid. I especially appreciated that the minority and females are just as complex, and the racism of the time is portrayed with vividness. After civilization crumbles, it's interesting how some things changed and yet others stayed the same.
An element that sets this book apart is optimism. The subject matter is bleak, no question, but it's encouraging to see how many people become something more in the face of adversity. One of my favorite characters, though very minor, is the town librarian. Before 'the Day,' she was ignored in town funding, couldn't even get air conditioning, and battled over censorship issues. After society collapses, the library becomes the center of the town. Everyone relies on books to teach them how to survive and to fill in hours between back-breaking labor. The librarian gladly bicycles miles to work everyday and feels like she has a noble purpose in life. Many of the other characters experience the same transition.
This is a book I am keeping on my shelf. There are some books that are dubbed "classics" out of habit, and others that earn it because their awe is timeless. Alas, Babylon is definitely the latter.
Show Less
LibraryThing member rbergman
"Alas, Babylon" by Pat Frank is a post apocalyptic novel due to a nuclear holocaust. It takes place in the middle of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. The threat of nuclear warfare is carried out as overnight millions of lives are lost as the Soviet Union destroys most of
The book is connected to the theme of Utopias and Dystopias because after Fort Repose is cut from all the rest of the world it is thrown into chaos. This creates a Dystopia for many of the people living there as stores are ransacked and people start killing themselves out of desperation and hopelessness. The story is about Randy and the people of the town trying to create their own Utopia with all the limited resources that they have left. Relationships are key in this novel because of the fragile balance of society and the human minds in the midst of this nuclear holocaust.
I thought the novel was on a scale of good to excellent. It shows close relationships between people who would previously not associate with each other and it also displays a strong sense of justice to the rights and wrongs of their society as they try to make their way towards a Utopian society. It's the kind of book that once you pick it up its hard to put down because you want to know what happens next to their struggling economy. If you are looking for a book with a stronger and heavier storyline this is definitely a good book to choose.
Show More
Florida and Washington D.C. with nuclear weapons. A low ranking politician quickly becomes president as it future looks grim. This story takes place in the small town of Fort Repose, Florida. The main character is a man called Randy who lives in the isolated Fort Repose and essentially takes over the role as leader in this town. The story is basically about a small town that tries to survive cut off from all of civilization whilst managing the own treacherous people living within it's own walls. The book is connected to the theme of Utopias and Dystopias because after Fort Repose is cut from all the rest of the world it is thrown into chaos. This creates a Dystopia for many of the people living there as stores are ransacked and people start killing themselves out of desperation and hopelessness. The story is about Randy and the people of the town trying to create their own Utopia with all the limited resources that they have left. Relationships are key in this novel because of the fragile balance of society and the human minds in the midst of this nuclear holocaust.
I thought the novel was on a scale of good to excellent. It shows close relationships between people who would previously not associate with each other and it also displays a strong sense of justice to the rights and wrongs of their society as they try to make their way towards a Utopian society. It's the kind of book that once you pick it up its hard to put down because you want to know what happens next to their struggling economy. If you are looking for a book with a stronger and heavier storyline this is definitely a good book to choose.
Show Less
LibraryThing member unclebob53703
A post-apocalypse story that focuses on the short-term survival of a community of people in a small Florida river town. Much smaller in scale than books like Earth Abides or The Postman, very day-to-day. This was the first book of its kind I read, when I was in high school in the 1960s when some
Show More
sort of doomsday scenario seemed all but inevitable. It was a book I couldn't put down. It made a powerful impression on me, and it's still the one I measure the other's against. First rate. Show Less
LibraryThing member beserene
In 2008, as I was doing my research and reading in preparation for teaching Science Fiction, I ran into a lot of apocalyptic and nuclear paranoia texts that I had not before encountered. ‘Alas, Babylon’, published in 1959, is the most gripping book of its kind, as far as I am concerned. I use
One of the greatest things about Pat Frank’s novel, however, is that it’s not really about the anticipation or the paranoia of nuclear weapons; instead, it’s about the characters – about people and how they deal with disaster, how the everyday becomes different but is still everyday. Instead of cold science being the major character, Frank has given the reader real characters to care about – ordinary, flawed people who both luck out and work hard, enabling them to survive amidst nightmare. I was completely impressed by this novel. Certainly, if one looks at it from a 21st century perspective, there are some distinct flaws, but allowing oneself to be gripped by the period atmosphere softens those edges and turns this into a remarkable science fiction experience. Highly recommended.
Show More
the word ‘gripping’ with some trepidation, since it reminds me of cheesy film adverts, but I think that in this case it is the perfect word. This book had a hold on me, not only as I was reading it, but even after I put it down. If I read a chapter before bed, my sleep was invaded by images of a town under siege, by lists of supplies to stockpile for nuclear emergencies, by ordinary night noises amplified into ominous thunder… The novel is thick with the atmosphere of paranoia, so much so that it leaks out of the pages and infects the reader. One of the greatest things about Pat Frank’s novel, however, is that it’s not really about the anticipation or the paranoia of nuclear weapons; instead, it’s about the characters – about people and how they deal with disaster, how the everyday becomes different but is still everyday. Instead of cold science being the major character, Frank has given the reader real characters to care about – ordinary, flawed people who both luck out and work hard, enabling them to survive amidst nightmare. I was completely impressed by this novel. Certainly, if one looks at it from a 21st century perspective, there are some distinct flaws, but allowing oneself to be gripped by the period atmosphere softens those edges and turns this into a remarkable science fiction experience. Highly recommended.
Show Less
LibraryThing member BeckyJG
On The Day, as it will come to be known in the small Florida community of Fort Repose, the worst Cold War fears of adults and schoolchildren, civilians and military and politicians, alike will be realized. As tensions rise in the Middle East, one mistake--possibly human error, possibly equipment
Global thermonuclear war.
Duck and cover isn't going to help anybody on this day.
Alas, Babylon begins the day before The Day, as Randy Bragg learns from his brother Mark, an Air Force colonel, that something is going down, and soon. Mark tells Randy he is sending his wife and children to him to hunker down on the family estate, and advises Randy to stock up on essentials and to share the information with anybody he thinks he can trust. The rest of the book, told in a spare, muscular style, follows Randy Bragg and the citizens of Fort Repose as they attempt to rebuild their world, learning as they go and making lots of mistakes.
Some of the nastier aspects of what would happen were the underpinnings of society to come crashing down all at once are minimized--lack of medical supplies, outbreaks of serious disease, and general lawlessness are subjects each covered in just one or two scenes; still, each of the scenes is chillingly rendered and serves perfectly well as a jumping off point for the reader's imagination to extrapolate further. What is more interesting is the rebuilding of a civil society by civilized people.
While not as gruesome as its many descendants--among them The Stand, Swan Song, and, most recently, The Passage--Alas, Babylon still packs a powerful punch. And despite what has been derided by some as its naive optimism, Pat Frank's portrayal of the indomitability of the human spirit in Alas, Babylon (published in 1959, just two years after the launch of the first Sputnik and at the height of the Cold War)--is moving and inspiring.
Show More
failure--will set into motion the end of the world as everybody knows it. Global thermonuclear war.
Duck and cover isn't going to help anybody on this day.
Alas, Babylon begins the day before The Day, as Randy Bragg learns from his brother Mark, an Air Force colonel, that something is going down, and soon. Mark tells Randy he is sending his wife and children to him to hunker down on the family estate, and advises Randy to stock up on essentials and to share the information with anybody he thinks he can trust. The rest of the book, told in a spare, muscular style, follows Randy Bragg and the citizens of Fort Repose as they attempt to rebuild their world, learning as they go and making lots of mistakes.
Some of the nastier aspects of what would happen were the underpinnings of society to come crashing down all at once are minimized--lack of medical supplies, outbreaks of serious disease, and general lawlessness are subjects each covered in just one or two scenes; still, each of the scenes is chillingly rendered and serves perfectly well as a jumping off point for the reader's imagination to extrapolate further. What is more interesting is the rebuilding of a civil society by civilized people.
While not as gruesome as its many descendants--among them The Stand, Swan Song, and, most recently, The Passage--Alas, Babylon still packs a powerful punch. And despite what has been derided by some as its naive optimism, Pat Frank's portrayal of the indomitability of the human spirit in Alas, Babylon (published in 1959, just two years after the launch of the first Sputnik and at the height of the Cold War)--is moving and inspiring.
Show Less
LibraryThing member MDTLibrarian
This was actually one of my favorite books when I was growing up in the 70s. I read it many times and was always caught up in the story of afterwath of an apocalyptic nuclear war and this heroic group of survivors.
The novel is set in Florida, where a young man is warned by an older brother in the
Alas, Babylon was originally written in 1959 and during that time period through the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the threat of large scale nuclear war seemed very real. Although this particular scenario seems highly unlikely today, the repercussions of a nuclear or biological attack from terrorists gives this work continuing relevance.
The novel is set in Florida, where a young man is warned by an older brother in the
Show More
Air Force that war with the Soviet Union was about to break out. The novel makes an effort to describe the very real challenges that would be faced in the event of a nuclear holocaust.Alas, Babylon was originally written in 1959 and during that time period through the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the threat of large scale nuclear war seemed very real. Although this particular scenario seems highly unlikely today, the repercussions of a nuclear or biological attack from terrorists gives this work continuing relevance.
Show Less
LibraryThing member TimothyBurke
A famously memorable read, probably the only post-apocalyptic nuclear-war novel that could classify as a pleasant beach-read. That's partly because this is the only nuclear-war novel that I can think of where arguably the protagonists are better off after the war than before it. The community at
Show More
the heart of the story draws together more closely, even to some extent eliding racial divisions, and the lead character matures and becomes a respected political leader. Most of the people within the community who suffer direct consequences from the war are greedy or foolish. It's not that the book is optimistically in favor of nuclear war, but many of the assumptions it makes about what such a war would be like were overriden by the later growth of nuclear arsenals and an improved understanding of the likely consequences of such a conflict. Show Less
LibraryThing member satyridae
I got to see some old Civil Defense movies from the late 50s the other day, and naturally they put me in mind of this book, which I loved as a kid. I picked it up again and found that I love it still. It's certainly dated and more than a little sexist, but forward thinking in a lot of ways. It's a
Show More
wonderful book for those of us whose taste runs to dystopian fiction. Show Less
LibraryThing member Bcteagirl
I enjoyed this book. As far as dystopian books go, I think it would be a good introduction to the genre for the type of person who is interested in dystopian/post apocalyptic books, but is worried about them being to dark, gory, or full of man eating zombies. This book is none of the above. Skimmed
Then it happened. Multiple nukes hit this US (Several in Florida) and they are cut off from the rest of the world. No incoming groceries, gas, etc. Electricity is gone. Radio stations are intermittent. Those requiring medications to live or who are frail don't seem to last long. Especially with just the one doctor in town. What follows is the story of how his neighbourhood pulls together to survive, to guard animals, get water, pool resources etc. There are criminals roving the highways to steal from people, and radioactive areas around, so they can't go far. How will they protect themselves when these gangs run out of gas and decide to move into town?
A bit simplistic and perhaps overly optimistic, but a fun post apocalyptic/survival read that I would recommend.
Show More
over the first chapter which discusses how the Russians had been amassing weapons and were fighting over an area in the Mediterranean, and how his brother felt that a large scale attack on the US was coning soon. He sent his family to live with is brother in Florida.Then it happened. Multiple nukes hit this US (Several in Florida) and they are cut off from the rest of the world. No incoming groceries, gas, etc. Electricity is gone. Radio stations are intermittent. Those requiring medications to live or who are frail don't seem to last long. Especially with just the one doctor in town. What follows is the story of how his neighbourhood pulls together to survive, to guard animals, get water, pool resources etc. There are criminals roving the highways to steal from people, and radioactive areas around, so they can't go far. How will they protect themselves when these gangs run out of gas and decide to move into town?
A bit simplistic and perhaps overly optimistic, but a fun post apocalyptic/survival read that I would recommend.
Show Less
LibraryThing member alaskabookworm
A friend highly recommended this book with the following description: "an uplifiting book about global war and nuclear holocaust."
Okay.....
No one in book club could quite believe such a dichotomy could exist in a book. But, amazingly, she was absolutely right. Everyone in book club LOVED this
Okay.....
No one in book club could quite believe such a dichotomy could exist in a book. But, amazingly, she was absolutely right. Everyone in book club LOVED this
Show More
book. Highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member crazybatcow
You can tell it was written in the 50's. The sexism and stereotypes are present but only minorly obtrusive. More concerning is the naivete (of the author, and of the main character).
There was no real societal violence depicted in the story: which may have been realistic in the culture the author
Oh, you mean post nuke you wouldn't want to have a freezer full of meat? DUH? If the main character had not believed the warning, that's one thing, but to believe the warning and yet not buy the obvious necessities is naive.
For its day, it's a good story although it's hard to accept that society would have ever been that "nice" in such circumstances, it certainly wouldn't be today.
There was no real societal violence depicted in the story: which may have been realistic in the culture the author
Show More
knew, but in reality, people aren't going to line up politely, post-nuke and wait to "buy" staples, with useless cash - those with guns will take it and tough luck to everyone else.Oh, you mean post nuke you wouldn't want to have a freezer full of meat? DUH? If the main character had not believed the warning, that's one thing, but to believe the warning and yet not buy the obvious necessities is naive.
For its day, it's a good story although it's hard to accept that society would have ever been that "nice" in such circumstances, it certainly wouldn't be today.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Stbalbach
Alas, Babylon (1959) is one of the half dozen must-read nuclear holocaust novels. It's engrossing and realistic, but not without problems. As Orville Prescott remarks in his 1959 review for the New York Times, Frank demonstrates "minimum competence in characterization and no ability whatever to
Frank was an expert in nuclear warfare due to his professional background and thus the details of what might happen in a war are where the novel shines. David Dempsey, writing in 1959 for the New York Times Book Review refers to the novel as a "manual for survival," which he says "might just be worth keeping around." Dempsey's criticism is that even though Frank's book is "provocative," it "never comes to grips with the more important question of just what kind of guilt his modern Babylonians are paying for." Babylon was destroyed by God for its sins, and the novel never says what those sins are or how the new society will be any different or redeemed, a theme better explored in A Canticle for Liebowitz.
Overall I was absorbed by the realistic portrayal of the breakdown of technology and how things we normally take for granted: running water, coffee, razors, etc. become very important. It gave me ideas on what to horde for the coming apocalypse :-) On the other hand the characters in the novel are cliche and stiff which gives it a nightmare aspect that Frank probably didn't intend.
Show More
convey the emotional atmosphere of a time of supreme crisis." As an example, all the women in the novel are cast as stereotypes, such as the gossip, the homemaker, the maid, the seductress, the good wife, the cook, and the grieving mother. Prescott does admit that "Frank commands a crisp, readable style and has an inventive imagination for practical details and small incidents." Frank was an expert in nuclear warfare due to his professional background and thus the details of what might happen in a war are where the novel shines. David Dempsey, writing in 1959 for the New York Times Book Review refers to the novel as a "manual for survival," which he says "might just be worth keeping around." Dempsey's criticism is that even though Frank's book is "provocative," it "never comes to grips with the more important question of just what kind of guilt his modern Babylonians are paying for." Babylon was destroyed by God for its sins, and the novel never says what those sins are or how the new society will be any different or redeemed, a theme better explored in A Canticle for Liebowitz.
Overall I was absorbed by the realistic portrayal of the breakdown of technology and how things we normally take for granted: running water, coffee, razors, etc. become very important. It gave me ideas on what to horde for the coming apocalypse :-) On the other hand the characters in the novel are cliche and stiff which gives it a nightmare aspect that Frank probably didn't intend.
Show Less
LibraryThing member auntmarge64
This classic of the late 1950s, a story of post-nuclear war survival in the U.S., is fairly dated in social mores (especially attitudes towards the sexes and black and white race relations), and characterization is minimal, but it still holds the reader's attention to the end. Having read this
Show More
while we had a 2-day power outage after Hurricane Irene, I find myself still thinking about life without amenities, and in the book, of course, that includes safe water, food, and protection. Show Less
LibraryThing member carmarie
When I chose this book, I wanted to read an apocalyptic book. It had rave reviews and was seen as a must read for this genre. I wasn't disapointed, but I wasn't deeply thrown into the book as I was like, say The Road.
LibraryThing member usnmm2
The world worst fears come true. nuclear war!
How would you survive. This is a story of how a small town survives.
How would you survive. This is a story of how a small town survives.
LibraryThing member MarcoGaidin
Started actively reading post apocalyptic literature earlier this year. I am very glad hat I had the good fortune to have Alas, Babylon recommended to me.
The book is eloquently written. The form and language is very reminiscent of the 1950's and adds a certain flavour to the story. There is
But, this is a story about hope and perserverance. About human character and some of the good and bad things about it.
What really got me is how little the political situation of the world has changed from 1959 to 2007. Every politician bent on war should read this book.
Will we ever learn?
The book is eloquently written. The form and language is very reminiscent of the 1950's and adds a certain flavour to the story. There is
Show More
however a dark undertone and a dire warning in the tale that can not be ignored. But, this is a story about hope and perserverance. About human character and some of the good and bad things about it.
What really got me is how little the political situation of the world has changed from 1959 to 2007. Every politician bent on war should read this book.
Will we ever learn?
Show Less
LibraryThing member whitebalcony
This was a fairly compelling read, but seemed almost like a fairy tale (especially after having finished "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy)
LibraryThing member lesserbrain
A true favorite of those of us seeking nostalgia for our 1980s middle school summer reading lists. If you have not read it since you listened the summer of Live Aid, pick it up again and think back on simply Cold War days.
LibraryThing member andyray
Only reason this apocalyptic novel (one of the first ones -- 1959) didn't get five stars is the ridiculousness of any town located between the nuclear targets of tampa, orlando, and jacksonville being left "clean" is absurd, and Frank has messed up his geography badly. Sure, Fort Depose is a
Show More
fictional place but it seems to occupy about where Fort McCoy is until he has someone going "east to Lakeland." Can't do it unless you go around the globe. Show Less
LibraryThing member KWoman
This book kept me on the edge of the seat the whole time. It made me wonder if I'd be so thorough in planning like the lead character did for the upcoming disaster.
LibraryThing member brodiew2
What a fantastic book! Wonderful characters lace this captvating story of survival after a nuclear exchange. I loved seeing some of the ideas reused in the film 'The Road Warrior': scarcity of gasoline, the Highway men(outlaw scavengers), and Randy's modified truck. I was also impressed by the
Show More
progression of the characters and their relationships. The small town setting and intimate narrative style reminded me of 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. The last 50 pages went by in a flash. Show Less
LibraryThing member ennie
I read this during the height of the Cuban missile crisis scare, and it's haunted me ever since.
LibraryThing member HollyinNNV
I read this book many years ago in high school. For some reason, I could not remember the title. However, the compelling story stayed with me and I always hoped I'd run across the book again. I finally found it!
Growing up during the Cold War era, I could not help but imagine what should happen in
I happen to agree with the conclusions Frank puts forward. I can't state what they are because they are spoilers. Suffice it to say that I've given Alas, Babylon my highest rating as it is truly superb. And I've programmed it for my high school literature class as I think that the topic in one that all pre-adults should consider. I highly recommend this book.
Growing up during the Cold War era, I could not help but imagine what should happen in
Show More
the event of a major catastrophe such as the one described in the book. Selfishly, my imagination only held thoughts of my pain, my sadness, my loss. The larger question that Frank seeks to answer is the important one. What happens to humanity in the sad event of a calamity?I happen to agree with the conclusions Frank puts forward. I can't state what they are because they are spoilers. Suffice it to say that I've given Alas, Babylon my highest rating as it is truly superb. And I've programmed it for my high school literature class as I think that the topic in one that all pre-adults should consider. I highly recommend this book.
Show Less
LibraryThing member mamar13
My favourite book of all time!!! I lent it almost 30 years ago and never saw it again. The story however has never left me. It is haunting and the experiences of the characters, who seemed so real, happened in a way which seemed possible. I highly recommend this book to all.
Subjects
Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — Fiction — 2012)
Call number
FIC H Fra