Alas, Babylon
by Pat Frank
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Book Summary Information
Author: Pat FrankForeword: David Brin
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-07-05
ISBN: 0060741872
Number of pages: 352
Publisher: Harper Perennial Modern Classics
Book Reviews of Alas, Babylon
Book Review: A solid and believable look into a nuclear holocaust
Summary: 4 Stars
Fort Repose is an idyllic little town located in Central Florida. At least everything is idyllic until "The Day". "The Day" is the day that the bombs fell-- nuclear bombs-- and entire cities were wiped off the map.
This book was written in the heat of the cold war with Russia, and just shortly before the Cuban missile crisis in 1962. So it isn't surprising that the Russians are portrayed as the enemy in the story, or that a book about man's attempt to survive after a nuclear holocaust would be so popular at the time, and remains so 50 years later.
The story is told primarily from the perspective of Randy Bragg, and follows him before, during and after the nuclear attack. Randy is a guy that just wants to do what is best for everyone. He isn't a control freak or someone who has to be the leader in every situation. He simply wants what is best for everyone.
Randy's love interest is Lib McGovern. Strong and intuitive and empathetic, Lib lends strength to Randy and their relationship builds through the story.
Randy's sister-in-law Helen and her children come to live with him, and she is a "man's woman". She's a good woman that any man would want as his partner in life, in good times or in bad. Smart, tough and strong, she takes over as a sort of "head of household" figure and keeps everything running smoothly.
Dr. Dan Gunn is a man who had all of the best intentions in spending a life in charitable pursuits, but has found himself a little embittered after a divorce as he finds his life's path altered and diverted. Admirable and hard-working and the only medical doctor, he is integral to the survival of the town.
Admiral Sam Hazzard is a retired admiral who settled in Fort Repose before "The Day". At times tactless, but honest and forthright, he says it like it is and is blessed with a little inside knowledge of how the military and government works.
I found this to be a well-written story, the characters well thought out and well-fleshed out. The story had some depth.
I should warn you that the "N" word and the term "negro" are both used quite extensively throughout this book, as it takes place in the south in the heat of the unrest preceding the civil rights movement. That's not to say that the book necessarily has a racist bent, as it actually portrays the local black family (the Henry family) in a very positive light, and the racists in town as arrogant ignoramus.
The attack is quite realistic, as is the reaction of the people. You can feel the confusion and tension and fear as the people try to understand what has happened, and how to deal with it. You shake your head at the people who still haven't grasped the gravity of the situation, and treat it as a temporary inconvenience. You wonder how they will deal with the lack of water, and with trade shutdown everyone is forced to become "locavores" and survive on whatever may be found within walking distance of home. Trade is a necessity, new skills are learned. Man adapts and survives.
I liked it. I liked the people, I liked that it took place in my own backyard, I liked that it was quite real, when I am used to reading fantastical post-apocalyptic zombie lit. I just plain liked it.
Summary of Alas, Babylon
The classic apocalyptic novel that stunned the world.
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