A Canticle for Leibowitz - Initial Thoughts

[[deleted user]]

I first read this book in High School - 1983 I think - and I've since read it 2 or 3 times. Its one of my favorite post-Apocalyptic novels up there Alas, Babylon and Earth Abides and the classic novels that founded the sub-genre.

But, how does it hold up over time in general and, for those of us also re-reading, how does it stand up as your perspective changes over the years?

I have to admit that the Catholic world views and philosophies stand out far more now than when I read it as a teen and as a young adult. The first time through it was just about some monks and not as steeped in religious philosophies as it is today. Now most of that is because I'm not 16 any longer - but I don't think it diminishes the book for me, it just makes it a different novel.

[stormhawk]

I've a similar reading pattern for Canticle, May have read it the first time in high school (in the late 70s) and several times since then ... but not within the last 20 years as far as I can recall.

Speaking of recall, I didn't remember much of the plot, other than the opening. It's darker than I recalled.

It holds up very well, I was raised Catholic, so I have a headful of church history. I liked the idea of the church once again becoming the repository of often not understood knowledge, keeping it for the future generations. But what have those generations learned in the fall and rise?

I loved the telling of the Flame Deluge in that faux Biblcal style.

[Donna]

I also first read this many years ago, probably early 80's. I always remembered it as a great book. I am happy to say I still think that on re-reading it. I was a little nervous because I had the same memory of The Mote in God's Eye and I was just a bit disappointed in it when we read it a few months ago.

Canticle is still a 5 star read for me. It's just a great story and so well written. I am fascinated by thinking about what it would be like to try to re-create civilization. Also, I love wondering about how we interpret archaeological finds today and just how far off the mark we might be. Brother Francis spending 15 years lovingly illuminating a piece of a circuit diagram is just an incredibly poignant image to me.

[Lynda]

I'm reading this book for the first time, and enjoying it so far. I'm only about 15% through it, though.

[stormhawk]

I desperately wanted that illuminated diagram to reappear.

[Donna]

stormhawk wrote: "I desperately wanted that illuminated diagram to reappear."
Me too!