Who Would Like This Book:
Earth Abides is a cornerstone of post-apocalyptic fiction, famous for its thoughtful, almost meditative take on what happens to both people and planet after a catastrophe wipes out most of humanity. Instead of Mad Max-style chaos, you get an intimate, often philosophical journey through recovery and adaptation, seen through the eyes of Ish, a quiet, observant survivor. Stewart skillfully details how nature reclaims the world, and explores questions about community, knowledge, and what (if anything) is essential to preserve from the old world. If you love subtle, big-picture questions, nature writing, and character-driven stories that focus more on rebuilding and reflection than action, this classic is for you.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers get frustrated with the slow pace, lack of action, and the passive attitude of the main character. The book’s 1949 origins show in its dated gender roles, racism, and occasional class snobbery, which can be off-putting or even upsetting for modern readers. People looking for strong character development, fast-moving plots, or more proactive problem-solving might find Earth Abides meandering or implausible at times, especially as the survivor community seems weirdly apathetic about rebuilding or even basic survival skills.
About:
'Earth Abides' by George R. Stewart is a post-apocalyptic novel that follows the protagonist Isherwood Williams as he navigates a world devastated by a deadly disease. The story explores Ish's journey as he encounters the rapid loss of knowledge, attempts to rebuild society, and reflects on the changes in human civilization over generations. The writing style is introspective and insightful, delving into themes of survival, loss, and the resilience of humanity in the face of catastrophe.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book contains themes of racial and gender stereotypes reflective of the 1940s, as well as depictions of societal collapse.
From The Publisher:
First published in 1949 and a winner of the inaugural International Fantasy Award in 1951, Earth Abides went on to become one of the most influential science-fiction novels of the twentieth century. It remains a fresh, provocative story of apocalyptic pandemic, societal collapse, and rebirth.
The cabin had always been a special retreat for Isherwood Williams, a haven from the demands of society. But one day while hiking, Ish was bitten by a rattlesnake, and the solitude he had so desired took on dire new significance. He was sick for days-and often delirious-waking up to find two strangers peering in at him from the cabin door. Yet oddly, instead of offering help, the two ran off as if terrified. Not long after, the coughing began. Ish suffered chills and fever, and a measles-like rash on his skin. He was one of the few people in the world to live through that peculiar malady, but he didn't know it then.
Ish headed home when he finally felt himself again-and noticed the strangeness almost immediately. No cars passed him on the road; the gas station not far from his cabin looked abandoned; and he was shocked to see the body of a man on the roadside near a small town. Without a radio or phone, Ish had no idea of humanity's abrupt demise. He had escaped death, yet could not escape the catastrophe-and with an eerie detachment he found himself curious as to how long it would be before all traces of civilization faded from Earth.
Ratings (44)
Incredible (11) | |
Loved It (13) | |
Liked It (11) | |
It Was OK (6) | |
Did Not Like (3) |
Reader Stats (181):
Read It (45) | |
Currently Reading (2) | |
Want To Read (91) | |
Did Not Finish (2) | |
Not Interested (41) |
3 comment(s)
I should like this book. The plot is compelling, and the parallels to the actual 2020 pandemic are chilling for a book written in 1949. Additionally, it aligns with a lot of my basic philosophy about man versus the environment. Unfortunately, the writing is flat, which ruined the book. Stewart describes what is happening, but not in a way that draws the reader into the story. Honestly, it is more like the outline of a book.
The plot was interesting, although I found the writing and characters annoying. Really annoying. Sexist and classist and generally snotty. Especially after the libertarian book I recently read, it was hard to read about a guy in a community of 36 saying how they needed more laws. And he just kept complaining about how stuff needed to be done and never making an effort to do any of it himself.
Thank goodness I FINALLY finished this book. Although I'm usually all about end-of-the-world novels (I consider it research for 2012), this one bored me to tears. It covered 42 years of post-apocalypse living and nothing happened. It was horribly depressing to read about people scavenging around for 42 years and not really doing anything. Build something, contact aliens, travel around the world -- just do something!
What can you read after
Earth Abides?
About the Author:
GEORGE R. STEWART (1895-1980) taught for more than fifty years at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of Pickett's Charge, Names on the Land, and the International Fantasy Award-winner Earth Abides, as well as numerous other books of history, biography, and fiction.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
