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What Members Thought
Re-read after probably 25 years. The writing is still fantastic, and manages to find space for humor and humanity in amongst the crushing dread of nuclear holocaust. I hadn't recalled the intense discussion of Catholic theology, particularly regarding euthanasia/assisted suicide for those suffering from fatal radiation poisoning in the 3rd section of the book. I didn't remotely agree with the Catholic viewpoint, which was clearly favored by Miller in the story, but found it particularly poignant
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Took me a while to get through this one. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I don't think this was it. Reminded me of Asimov's Foundation series: I would have preferred to stay with the characters rather than move down the timeline.
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A great book, obviously a classic, and very broad in scope. The book follows a small Abbey of the Catholic Church after a nuclear holocaust, or Flame Deluge, which the church sees as the second great flood. The Abbey has taken on the task of preserving historical records of the world before the bombs for future reference, for a future civilization on the verge of repeating it's greatest mistake. I’m a big fan of post-apocalyptic fiction, and this is a very different take on the subject.
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My only r ...more
It's written as three novellas that take place in the same abbey, centuries apart. The monks try to make sense of the past, making clearly wrong assumptions. It's well done. Unlike much sci fi, it starts out slowly, then builds to a great ending.
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Abandoned about 1/3rd in. Well-written, but neither post-apocalyptic fiction nor religion-based fiction are my bag, and this is both so I had a hard time maintaining my interest.
Feb 20, 2013
Misha
added it
Wasn't in the mood....
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Fascinating example of mid-century cold war dystopia. The story became both more frustrating and more interesting as it progressed. It often left major characters completely behind, something I detest.
Mine says the 16th printing was in July 1972
Nov 26, 2007
Nicole
marked it as to-read
Oct 10, 2009
Sharon
marked it as to-read
Jul 13, 2010
Jessi
marked it as to-read
Jan 02, 2011
Erin
marked it as to-read
Mar 15, 2019
Chrissy
marked it as to-read
