'Notes from the Burning Age' by Claire North is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a world grappling with the aftermath of societal collapse. The story explores themes of excesses, global warming, sexism, capitalism, and other societal issues through characters that have a complex arc. The writing style is described as having elements of introspection, tangential rambling, and heavy, illuminating prose that challenges readers to reflect on the current world situation.

Characters:

The characters are diverse, with Ven at the center, grappling with personal and societal challenges in a politically charged environment.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is rich and dynamic but can veer into convoluted and preachy territory, making the pacing uneven.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Ven's journey amidst post-apocalyptic societal conflicts and ideological battles between humility and excess after a climate catastrophe.

Setting:

The setting is a deeply imagined post-apocalyptic world that mixes elements of societal rebirth with ongoing environmental themes.

Pacing:

The pacing is inconsistent, with slow sections that some may find tedious, while others appreciate the reflective moments.

It was the long, hot summer when children paddled barefoot in the river through the centre of Tinics, a time for chasing butterflies and sleeping beneath the stars. School was out, and every class had...

Notes:

The novel features a post-apocalyptic world shaped by climate disasters.

Society has fragmented into seven Provinces with a governing Council.

Ven, the protagonist, was affected by a tragic wildfire in his childhood.

The story involves a conflict between a peaceful Temple and a radical Brotherhood.

Kakuy are indestructible beasts representing nature's revenge on humanity.

The Brotherhood seeks to return to a time of human dominance over nature.

Each group in the novel reflects contemporary social and political issues.

The book blends genres, including spy thriller, fantasy, and literary fiction.

Many characters wrestle with existential questions about humanity's role on Earth.

The author's style varies from poetic to blunt, enhancing the narrative experience.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for environmental destruction, philosophical discussions about existential crises, and implicit themes of oppression and violence.

From The Publisher:

"ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I'VE READ IN RECENT YEARS. THOUGHT PROVOKING, IMAGINATIVE AND PACKS A HELL OF AN EMOTIONAL PUNCH." -Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of Children of Time

From one of the most imaginative writers of her generation comes an extraordinary vision of the future…

Ven was once a holy man, a keeper of ancient archives. It was his duty to interpret archaic texts, sorting useful knowledge from the heretical ideas of the Burning Age-a time of excess and climate disaster. For in Ven's world, such material must be closely guarded so that the ills that led to that cataclysmic era can never be repeated.

But when the revolutionary Brotherhood approaches Ven, pressuring him to translate stolen writings that threaten everything he once held dear, his life will be turned upside down. Torn between friendship and faith, Ven must decide how far he's willing to go to save this new world-and how much he is willing to lose.

"A riveting tale of subterfuge and deadly self-indulgence" (Publishers Weekly, starred review) from award-winning author Claire North, Notes from the Burning Age puts dystopian fiction in a whole new light.

Also by Claire North:

The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August

Touch

The Sudden Appearance of Hope

The End of the Day

84K

The Gameshouse

The Pursuit of William Abbey

Ratings (2)

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Reader Stats (9):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (5)
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