Thought-provoking story from the nuclear age

I was drawn to this title when I found out it was the basis for the Brotherhood of Steel in the Fallout series. I doubt I'd have read far if I'd gone with the book version, but Tom Weiner's masterful performance is perfectly suited to the monastic theme running throughout, complete with ecclesiastical Latin to boot.

Definitely worth a try x

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Enticing story

Narrator was good and varied. He gave the book a lot of character.
The story was really well crafted and darkly funny at times. Made me think too.

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Those who don't learn from histories mistakes

If you could sum up A Canticle for Leibowitz in three words, what would they be?

Original, cautionary and brave

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the unusual fact that this story doesn't take place during one setting but over a period of time thats set in the future but features settings that can be considered ancient, medieval and futuristic. In some ways its tragic but talks about human nature in a way that often makes people uncomfortable.

Any additional comments?

I think its refreshing to find a book in a sci-fi setting that incorporates sincere religious belief not just as a feature but as a central tenant to the novel.

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Fantastic

I read this book many years ago. I was going to a party and took the book with me. I was so enthralled I spent the night reading curled up in other people coats. This book is a classic and has stood the test of time. May I recommend it and the narrator. Enjoy

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3 people found this helpful

Over hyped

I went into this Audiobook thinking I was in for a real treat. In reality I found it incredibly slow and difficult going. It is a very interesting concept and I can understand why so many people rate it highly. However, I would suggest that you don't raise your expectations too high, as you may then get more out of it than I did.

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Wonderful

This is a wonderful book, although to class it as ‘Science Fiction’ seems almost to diminish its value as a first class piece of literature. I have read somewhere that it is necessary to be a ‘devout’ Catholic to understand the book properly. I think this is an exaggeration, although undoubtedly for a book set in a Catholic monastery a passing familiarity with its ritual is an advantage. Also there is plenty of Latin, and comprehension of simpler phrases, like ‘Deo gratias’—thanks be to God—assists in the enjoyment of the narrative.

A Canticle for Leibowitz takes place in a Catholic monastery [spoiler alert] during three consecutive periods each separated by about 500 years. Around 600 years after a devastating nuclear war, Brother Francis Gerard of The Albertian Order of Leibowiz discovers an ancient fallout shelter in the desert. It contains relics of ‘The Blessed Leibowitz’, the founder of the order. The monks are living a medieval existence, preserving by hand-copying ‘sacred’ texts. 500 years later, they are learning how to generate electricity; 500 years after that, mankind is once more in space and nuclear power has been rediscovered with the inevitable consequences.

I first read this book in the mid 1960s, shortly after it had been written and it made an impression then. I have listened to it two or three times on Audible, and on each occasion I have got more out of it. There is humour and poignancy here with elements of mysticism, but above all intelligent and thoughtful writing. Initially the narrator, Tom Weiner, appeared to be very dry in his delivery. In fact he reserves his voicing for the characters, and I think he does it rather well. ‘Canticle’ will join my canon of favourite books.

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Interesting

The story is both interesting and thought-provoking. It gradually becomes more contemplative, and at moments is even mystical. It isn't for everyone, however. It shows its age, and its ideological underpinnings may be problematic for some readers. The book is deeply Catholic (apart from one Wandering Jew, no other religions are mentioned) and male-dominated. On the gates of the monestary on which the novel centers there is a sign forbidding women entrance , and this seems to apply to the novel too (apart from a short, intriguing moment towards the end.) The Catholics are the undisputed good guys; atheism, even when well-meaning, leads to ruin. If the reader can accept this and suspend her disbelief, the book is recommended.

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8 people found this helpful

Brilliant!

I absolutely loved this! Can't believe I hadn't found this earlier. Took a little while to get used to the reader but really grew on me as he went on. The story is just incredibly interesting (and given its vintage has been really influential) and has really stuck with me since finishing due to many layers of story and some surprising conclusions (as I read them anyway). Also surprisingly funny despite the dark subject matter. Highly recommended.

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Loved it

Where does A Canticle for Leibowitz rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was the first one I downloaded with my initial free credit and it is still the best I've listened to.

What other book might you compare A Canticle for Leibowitz to, and why?

Any of those genre of sci-fi books that I call post-apocalytica. So Earth Abides by George R. Stweart or I Am Legend by Richard Matheson but also future history novels like H.G. Wells the time machine or Last and First Men by Olaf Stapledon.

Have you listened to any of Tom Weiner’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I haven't heard anything else he's done but I would certainly like to.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The end of brother Francis' story made me gasp.

Any additional comments?

I love this book. Despite spanning many centuries and dealing with big issues, it manages to be about individual characters wants and needs. One of those rare Sci-Fi pieces that combines the cerebral with the personal successfully.

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1 person found this helpful

An absolute classic

This is one of the best books I've listened too in some time.
A profound argument for pacifism and faith.
Wonderful and sweeping; spanning centuries.

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