On the Beach by Nevil Shute - 4 stars (Subdue)

[Joy D]

On The Beach by Nevil Shute - 4* - My Review

Global powers and several smaller countries have destroyed the Northern Hemisphere by nuclear war. In Australia, survivors are waiting for the radioactive fallout to arrive. Scientists say they have less than a year to live. This book is about how people choose to spend their time while facing certain death.

What remains of the US Navy finds its way to Australia, and one of the main characters is the commander of a submarine, Dwight Towers. He and his crew undertake fact-finding cruises to measure radiation levels in the Northern Hemisphere and determine if anyone is still living. Another main character is Moira Davidson, a local woman who becomes friends with Towers. She would like to be more than friends, but Towers is married and has a wife and two children in the US. He is in denial about their probable fate. It focuses on a small group of characters, including the Australian scientist assigned to Towers’ crew, his wife and baby, along with a bachelor who is a car racing aficionado.

It was published in 1957 so it is a novel of its time, reflecting the concerns of the Cold War era. It does not attempt to predict future technology and is set in the early 1960s. It is different from other books by Nevil Shute that I have read. Most of his books are more upbeat than this one.

It explores the idea of retaining human compassion and dignity in the face of certain death. Shute takes a different view than some I have read. He sees people continuing life as usual, trying to maintain the façade of normality. I felt immersed in it as I was reading it, trying not to think about the ending, similar to what many of the characters are doing in the story. If you are interested in apocalyptic classics, this is a must read. If you dislike depressing stories, I recommend avoiding it.

PBT Comments: I read this as an "extra book" for the Subdue the Shelf challenge after rolling a 5,6. I found it on Daniel's Clerk Level Gameboard.

[Book Concierge]

When I was reading this book I had the most interesting and vivid dreams. I couldn't help but think about what I would do if I knew death would come in six month or even six years. Would I plant a tree? Would I plant daffodil bulbs? Can tomatoes from the garden? Write a Christmas letter?

[Robin P]

I love Nevil Shute because he always has a positive message, where most of the characters are basically good - even in war. I have seen the movie of this one, but avoided the book, because it's sad to think this author had to deal with such a negative subject. But it sounds like once again, he focuses on decent people coping with difficult situations.

[NancyJ]

This is a useful review. This has been off and on my “to read” and “to watch” (the movie) lists for many years. I read The Road AND Parable of the Sower last month, so I need to wait a while before facing another depressing book. I figure it can’t be much worse than The Road, can it?

I have this on my plan for May for a different challenge, though I might go in a different direction.

[NancyJ]

Robin P wrote: "I love Nevil Shute because he always has a positive message, where most of the characters are basically good - even in war. I have seen the movie of this one, but avoided the book, because it's sad..."

The first half of A Town Like Alice was very depressing too, but it ended on a positive note.

[Booknblues]

My sophomore high school English class read this. I have vague remembrance of it.

I'm sure it was a little advanced for us.

[Joy D]

BC - I managed to avoid dreams, but it does make you think.

NancyJ - I think The Road is more depressing in terms of the way people treat each other but I really admired the premise of needing to protect a child in that situation.

Robin P - I agree that Shute generally "focuses on decent people coping with difficult situations." I have not seen the movie but now that I've read the book I might watch it to see how it differs.

BnB - Isn't it great when we can look back at our teachers with admiration! I remember reading Alas, Babylon when I was in high school - a book that covers similar ground.

I think this one is about as positive as possible in showing how people might try to carry on as best as possible in dire circumstances. Shute probably was influenced by the English in WWII during the Blitz where the slogan was "keep calm and carry on."