Obernewtyn
(Obernewtyn Chronicles #1)
by Isobelle Carmody
science fiction, young adult
copyright 1987
read in January 2016
rated 7/10: well worth reading
The background is very much Chrysalids: nuclear holocaust, farming community attitudes, fear of the mutant, extra fear of mental mutations... Then Obernewtyn develops a story of its own. A simple story but interesting enough.
The writing style is very simple, with small, jerky sentences. Is this the author's first book ?
The story is also quite simple. It's the developing picture of the world which builds the interest. Thinking, talking animals -- as animals rather than as pseudo-humans -- are unusual though there is not much else out of the ordinary. It's a standard grab bag of post-apocalyptic nuclear... stuff. Enjoyable stuff.
I looked for this book because I read a review of the latest in the series. Number seven or eight, if I remember correctly. Better to start at book one, I thought. With that thought -- six or seven books to go -- I'm happy with a not too hectic start...
Not that it's boring ! More, it's a steady development of threat and discovery.
Makes me think... This is a "young adult" book. Have the expectations changed ? Is a more recent young adult book expected to have more thrills and excitement ? It's possible. This book is slow -- but steady. With enough excitement -- and world discovery -- to keep me entertained.
By itself, seven out of ten would be a point too high... With the prospect of further adventures of the same characters, it's a seven.
I enjoyed Obernewtyn enough to want to read more in the series. Which means that this book, is well worth reading.
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