9 out of 10 monkeys believe they are not behind glass

Man. I finished this book today and I feel like shit.

No seriously. Talk about a book that lays out hopelessness and hopefulness of humanity at the same time. It’s a book that documents a world that has fallen prey to the greatest of catastrophes, a human plaugue. Much like many of the more popular doom and gloom books of recent years, Earth Abides does a better job of connecting the events, the aftermath, and the continuation of life better than any book I have ever read.

Oh, did I mention Earth Abides was one of the first great novel to explore these themes of destruction, life and what mankind is in the face of such a total annilihation? George Stewart pretty much wrote the book (pun intended) on the disaster novel in 1957 and many authors have tried to reach a similar level ever since. Stephen King’s The Stand (written in 1978) comes close, but the plague is setting the stage for a good vs. evil battle. This plague is just about nature running its course.

The main character, Isherwood Williams, a reluctant hero, leader, lover and father, starts the narrative as a college student sick from a rattlesnake bite and weathering the poison during one of his lonesome academic retreats in the California mountains. He is a quiet, reserved, introspective thinker that has to adapt to a world that seemingly disappears overnight. He gets through his illness, comes back to society, only to find society (and people) are no longer around.

The writing (and setting) is a bit antiquated, but nonetheless, it is a very powerful read covering the life of a single man who outlived us all and struggled to keep a light growing in an ever darkening world. The death of civilization is not an easy topic, and this book is definitely not a happy pick-me-up read. So if you are a depressive type, I would steer clear. But if you want a book that gives a great measure for hope for the great sadness the characters recieve, then this is a great choice. It is a tragedy worth experiencing.

Definitely recommended!