In 'Down to a Sunless Sea' by David Graham, the story unfolds as a commercial jet pilot navigates a post-apocalyptic world caused by Peak Oil and nuclear war. The plot follows the crew and passengers of the plane as they try to find a safe haven amidst the chaos and destruction. The book combines elements of a dystopian world, aviation details, and survival themes, keeping readers on edge with tension and suspense. Despite some cliched characters and cheesy dialogue, the narrative grips readers with its believable depiction of a world on the brink of collapse.

The book delves into themes of human behavior in crisis situations, providing an interesting character study of ordinary individuals facing extraordinary circumstances. Set against the backdrop of a nuclear apocalypse, the story explores the actions and decisions of the characters as they navigate through a world plunged into chaos and uncertainty. Despite its gloomy premise, the book offers memorable moments that keep readers engaged and invested in the characters' fates.

Characters:

The characters are generally seen as one-dimensional and stereotypical, with a protagonist exhibiting problematic traits and lacking significant development.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is direct and functional, albeit criticized for being uneven and sometimes cheesy, with flashes of emotional impact in key moments.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around a transatlantic flight caught in a sudden nuclear apocalypse, focusing on the crew's efforts to find a safe landing amid the chaos.

Setting:

The setting primarily unfolds in a commercial airplane amidst the backdrop of a nuclear crisis, reflecting a world struggling with economic decline.

Pacing:

Pacing is uneven, with a slow start that accelerates during the onset of nuclear war, but ultimately loses tension in the concluding chapters.

Flight decks are traumatic places. Memory storages impregnated with sweat, fear, boredom and stress. Somewhere in there, traces of pleasure, satisfaction: nostalgic echoes of vast starry nights like i...

Notes:

The book was published in 1981, a time still marked by sexism and some racial prejudice.

The story takes place on a transatlantic flight during a nuclear war.

The main character is Jonah Scott, a British pilot.

There are numerous themes of male chauvinism throughout the book.

Different editions have varied endings, affecting the overall tone of the story.

The book includes emotional moments, particularly involving sacrifice and survival.

It features a realistic portrayal of panic and fear as airlines seek landing spots during a nuclear crisis.

The author, David Graham, was a WWII RAF pilot which brings a level of aviation authenticity to the narrative.

Readers have commented on the lack of character growth and development in the novel.

The novel explores themes of human behavior in crises extensively.

Some readers consider it a gripping tale with suspenseful moments, despite its flaws.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains high content warnings for themes of nuclear war, sexism, racism, and the portrayal of human behavior under extreme duress.

From The Publisher:

The six hundred passengers and crew members aboard a jumbo jetliner are left without a destination and a country when nuclear war breaks out and spreads devastation around the world

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Down to a Sunless Sea

David Graham (Wilbur Wright)