'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.

Characters:

The characters are underdeveloped, with Ish portrayed as a cerebral and somewhat detached figure, illustrating the struggle between knowledge and survival.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is introspective and poetic, offering in-depth reflections on civilization, ecology, and human relationships in a post-apocalyptic context.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around the aftermath of a global plague that decimates humanity and follows the protagonist's attempts to navigate a transformed world and establish a new society.

Setting:

Set in a near-future America recovering from a catastrophic plague, the novel vividly describes a landscape where human infrastructures are deteriorating and nature is reclaiming its space.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with a slow build-up that delves into philosophical exploration, sometimes losing momentum as the plot unfolds.

. . . and the government of the United States of America is herewith suspended, except in the District of Columbia, as of the emergency. Federal officers, including those of the Armed Forces, will put...

Notes:

Earth Abides was first published in 1949, making it one of the earliest post-apocalyptic novels.

The book's narrative is told from the perspective of Isherwood Williams, often referred to as Ish, an anthropology graduate student.

After a deadly virus wipes out most of humanity, Ish emerges from isolation to find a desolate world.

The novel explores the impact on nature as civilization collapses, showcasing how the Earth begins to heal without human interference.

Earth Abides examines themes of survival, community-building, and the loss of knowledge over generations in an isolated society.

The author, George R. Stewart, won the inaugural International Fantasy Award in 1951 for this novel.

The title of the book is derived from Ecclesiastes 1:4, which reflects the idea of enduring nature despite human destruction.

Stewart's writing includes detailed ecological observations, emphasizing nature's resilience.

The book presents significant social issues, including racism and sexism, reflective of societal attitudes in the 1940s.

Ish grapples with the challenge of preserving knowledge and literacy in a new society built from the remnants of the old one.

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 (24)

Incredible (7)
Loved It (8)
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Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (85):

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Currently Reading (1)
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1 comment(s)

eljpal578

Did Not Like

2 months

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!

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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.

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