Wednesday, March 20, 2019

The Fireman / Joe Hill

The Fireman
by Joe Hill

science fiction

copyright 2016
read in March 2019

rated 9/10: really really good

science fiction with character and complexity. the what-if that drives the story is simple, its impact is enormous. the what-if remains central yet the story is about our society's response. yes, "our" society; this is a near-future apocalypse.

not even "near future". what if this disaster were to strike *today* ? this book charts the apocalypse. with both societal and personal detail. it does it well.

in the first half the book occasionally drags. every action is described in detail. for a while i was wishing it would just hurry up... but it is never boring. just detailed.

about half a dozen times there is line such as, but it was three months before he spoke again. in a story where a lot happens, this forecast is annoying. a minor quibble.

 there's a reference to that ultimately miserable book, the road. this book offers a far more positive view of people in a destroyed world. (despite the sting in the tail.)

the theme is apocalyptic. death is everywhere. yet this book is enjoyable: tense, fascinating, violent, warm. really really good.






====    Dr Nick Lethbridge  /  Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting / Problems? Solved.
===

"I think and think, for months, for years. Ninety-nine times the conclusion is false. The hundredth time I am right." … Einstein
===

dying for you to read my blog: notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com.au :-)
====
   

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