Could it take place today?

Alas, Babylon

Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank

My wife’s high school students were reading this book. She said it was good and I’d like it. She definitely knows my tastes.

Alas, Babylon is a book about the days after a nuclear war. The story is set in the 1950′s, when the people of the United States were on alert against a possible war with Russia. The main character must deal with life after the nation crumbles. His town is cut off from the majority of the world. There is no electricity. There is no fresh supply of gas, food, or medical supplies. The people of Fort Repose, FL must use their wits, determination, and each other to survive.

What really grabbed my attention and still has me thinking, is that although this book was written in the 1950′s, it could have very easily be set in this decade. The world as they knew it was basically wiped out in a day, called “The Day” in the story. In the book, people had a hard time dealing without the technological advances they’ve become so dependent on. Some people rose to meet the challenges presented, while others lost control, and many lost their lives. I predict society would react the same today, some people helped others, while some stayed to themselves, and a few took advantage of the weak. If bombs were dropped here in 2010, it wouldn’t be much different.

We know about the power of nuclear weapons and about how much we rely on things that run on electricity or gasoline, but have you really given these things a lot of thought? Would you be able to find food? If you could, would it be enough and give you everything your body needs? How would your prepare the food? Could you stay healthy? Could you defend yourself and your family? What would you use to defend yourself with? Do you have people living close to you that would be your ally? Is there anyone living close to you that you think would cause problems if there was no authority to keep them at bay? These are just a few of the questions that ran through my head as I read this novel.

The start of this book was a little slow, but don’t let that deter you. There was a lot of character build up in the beginning that can be important later in the story. It doesn’t take long before the action picks up and you’ve made it through the first part. Once you’ve hit the “meat” of the story, you’ll probably be as hooked as I was.

5 of 5 Stars | MORE | BUY |

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