What's the Name of That Book??? discussion
This topic is about
By the Waters of Babylon
SOLVED: Children's/YA
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SOLVED. Sci-fi post-apocalyptic short story where survivors don't remember what technology was for. Spoiler. [s]
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There are quite a few stories like this but the bit about roads sounds vaguely familiar. In the story I'm thinking of, the characters are aware of an advanced civilisation before their own who build roads etc, but the don't understand what they are. They are almost considered to be gods. Is that the same story? Do you remember anything else? Do they talk about other objects?
Yes, this sounds right! The only other thing I remember was a sink. The narrator didn't understand what it was, but based on their description, it became apparent that it was a basin and faucets.
I can't quite put my finger on this. I'm not sure if it just sounds like a few other books I have read. However, if this isn't it I would recommend it as a good example of this sort of story: Eternity Road.
This sounds very plausible! The portion I read must've been an excerpt, rather than a short story, if this is the case. I will track down and report back here whether it's solved or not. Thank you!
It has been a long time since I read this book, and I'm tempted to re-read it after looking at a couple of reviews. I'm honestly not expecting it to be this book, but it's in that genre. I'll look out for mentions of sinks or solid rivers. It might take me a few weeks to get around to it, but I'll try to remember to comment whatever I find.
I have finished reading Eternity Road and I'm pretty sure this isn't your book, Herve. I enjoyed it, but I don't think it matches. Firstly, they know what roads are and even call our current civilisation 'The Roadmakers' because there are so many roads still visible. Secondly, the use sinks and a bath a few times, and know what faucets (taps to me) are. There's no mention of solid rivers. Sorry.
Thank you so much for checking it! I just received it from the library today and haven't had a chance to start it, but after skimming through they do seem to have a much better understanding of technology than the inhabitants of the story I'm trying to track down.Another thing I've thought after seeing this book, is that I believe the people in my story were quite rural - almost stone-age in their lifestyle? I don't recall a lot of communication, and it could in fact just be a single person on a walk alone for the entire story.
I quite enjoyed Eternity Road so I hope you do too, but the search continues! There are quite a few books and short stories of this type but I can't think of one that quite fits. The closest that comes to mind is By the Waters of Babylon but that's a male main character.
This seems very promising as well! Not only does something feel familiar about the title, but did you notice the book description is actually that of a classroom anthology called Creative Short Stories? I will track this down as soon as possible!
There are online copies. Not sure how legit they are, but it's a pretty old story (older than you would think when reading it) so maybe it's not under copyright now. My paper copy book had notes at the end and tasks for school children, so it obviously is used in schools.
I've read the story, and this is definitely it! Thank you so much.
What's the Name of That Book???
Books mentioned in this topic
By the Waters of Babylon (other topics)By the Waters of Babylon (other topics)
Eternity Road (other topics)
Eternity Road (other topics)
A character wanders around and muses about things we don't understand. It seems like a fantasy, but we eventually realize the character is talking about paved roads and sinks and that our modern world has become a wasteland.
Two things that I'm shaky on: I believe the character was a younger female, and that she referred to the streets as some type of solid river.