The novel is most often described as affirmative—a story celebrating human creativity and perseverance, as well as the meaning of community. Without doubt, these timeless qualities go a long way in explaining its enduring popularity. Yet, the book’s conclusion is more ambiguous, as Randy turns away from his would-be rescuers “to face the thousand-year night.” There is no doubt that my father meant the book as a cautionary tale, presented as it is within the Biblical context of Revelation 18:10: “Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour is thy judgment come.” The
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