A very interesting 50s sci fi

This was well read by the narrator and the story was really interesting, even though it is very dated re: social attitudes and the racism and misogyny is shocking. I had read previous reviews and so was forewarned, but even so, a couple of times I gasped out loud at the language. Having said that, Frank was clearly a liberal by 1959 US standards and tries to address at least some of the contemporary attitudes towards race, (if not towards women!) It is important that such books stay in print as a record of some of the prejudiced social cultural and historical attitudes of the recent past, even if they challenge our sensitivities!

I am surprised that the novel hasn't been updated and made into a film, as the story itself is genuinely gripping. It would be brilliant as a TV series, (something like 'Jericho' or 'The Walking Dead') or as a feature film.

It reminded me somewhat of Matheson's 'I Am Legend' in terms of the lone wolf, morally upright 'hero' with his dedication to upholding what was seen in 50s America as the best of humanity's values and beliefs. The ending is a bit of a cop out, and the dearth of radiation victims coming in from outside beggars belief, but Frank creates a real sense of menace in the lead up to war, in particular and we do care about the main characters.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy 50s sci-fi and apocalyptic fiction.

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Excellent post-apocalyptic book

Amazing to think this was written back in 1959, a year after I was born. It's very modern in its tone and style, and I loved it, and the narrator. A great read, a great writer, a very poetic style, this is a classic apparently and I can understand why...

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Time capsule

This book is a bit of a time capsule. It was written in the 1950's, and very much shows its age. The worries are about the cold war, the nuclear bomb, and the solutions are somewhat charming and quaint. How does one survive after society breaks down is very much tied to the age when that may happen. For instance, I imagine an event like this happening in Florida 2021 would be much more violent, since everyone and their mum now has access to assault rifles and whatnot. The natural resources would be stretched to their limits much earlier too, since the population is higher and natural habitats for edible flora and fauna are much, much smaller. The solutions here are the community coming together and some lucky plot armor and it is somewhat interesting/pleasant to read about. I think that if you'd have read this book when it first came out, it would have been pretty mind-blowing and highly interesting. The writing style is well done too, this is obviously written by an experienced/talented author. The narration is perfect for the material. A slight Southern accent which suits the location the story is set in, no irritating verbal tics or weird voices, and clear pronunciation so easy to follow.

A word of warning though; this is very much of its age/location and therefore has a lot of racist and sexist elements to it.
The racism is on three levels; Stereotypes used (the lazy drunk black man and so on), outright racist language (the N word is spoken out loud in full, repeatedly) plus the black characters are there in service of the plot development of the white characters. There is one moment at the end that is particularly galling, you will know what I mean when you get there. However, I think I found the sexism harder to stomach. The racists in the book are clearly painted as the bad guys. The protagonist holds (for the time) progressive views and has friendships/respect for the black characters. However, the sexism is everywhere, casually displayed by all the male characters including the main character, and never questioned like the racist views are. Women are described, spoken about by the characters, and act in ways that make it clear they are all fools in the end. The view is explicitly expressed that women need a man next to them, otherwise they can't function. They all go a bit potty in the head at some point, even when presented as strong. level headed women in the beginning. Women who aren't married are described as nymphomaniacs or manipulating harlots. It is just pretty bad because it seeps into everything. Even the two women who are introduced in the beginning as pretty intelligent end up in an antagonistic situation because they both want the same man, and both explicitly state in the end that it is the mans place to make decisions around the house. 1950's for sure, but on the other hand there were many people who thought otherwise even during that time (suffragettes, feminism) so it is clear these are the authors personal views. That (plus the racism) made it less interesting and enjoyable for me to listen too. If you treat it as a historical record, it is easier to digest.

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Alas, there isn't more like it.

It's a great listen, of course it's easier when it's a great story. A good yarn, well written, well narrated and quite frankly, all too real in it's fictional deliberations. The way things are heating up in the Middle East, perhaps we should read this more than once!

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A sort of happy tale

Having read and watch movies of the topic, can't help saying that it has an uplifting approach to the end of the world. It could be a little bit unrealistic tho, certain situations, although verisimilar, are quite conveniently solved. I guess is refreshing as well to know that not all will be lost.

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Classic... Nuclear War 1950s setting.

Very enjoyable because it is set and was written in 1950s America, rather than coming across as dated it was more like historical fiction which I enjoyed a lot. For a post apocalyptic story it is not at all as grim and gory as a modern book would be - cannibalism, slavery and the other usual depravity and gore that you expect in a more modern post apocalypse story! These things are maybe hinted at rather than really appearing in the story, apart from the odd bad guy most people are pretty decent and most behave in a relatively civilised manner. It is strangely almost a positive story, I wouldn't be too concerned about letting a younger reader / listener have this book. I have read reviews elsewhere that described it as having some racist and sexist elements to it - which there of course are going to be, it is set in Florida and was written in 1950s America! It is not as realistic in many as a more modern book would be, but I personally forgive that as it was a very enjoyable listen with interesting characters and settings. If you can credit the book for being written in more innocent times in terms of what would be acceptable amounts of horror and gore (there really is none) and enjoy it as an innocent predecessor of the modern post apocalypse book, it is very well worth a listen and very enjoyable. - I love the game Fallout 3 which has loads of 1950s styling and a post nuclear war setting, so this may have clouded my judgement a bit but I enjoyed the listen a lot.

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Great book well read

This story is one of my favourites. It’s a Swiss family Robison/Robison Crusoe story set within a nuclear apocalypse. It’s fun it’s escapist and will Patton is easy on the ears. My only criticism is the last chapter seems a little rushed.

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Perfect for Doomsday Preppers

I'm not sure how I came to find this book as I discovered, after I listened to it, that it had been written in the 50's. The story is the world after USA and Soviet Union have attacked each other with nuclear warheads. The perspective is a small town Florida lawyer who gets 24 hours avance warning from his brother of the impending attacks. Our hero then prepares himself and works with his immediate neighbours to survive the chaos. Written with believable gusto, the story takes the characters through 18 months or so, during which time, they learn to survive and adjust to a new world. I was gripped by the narrative and wanted to find out what happens to them. Some of the incidental characters are rather one-dimensional - the venal banker, the superficial socialite mother, but you feel empathy for others who have to adapt. I also loved Will Patton's voice. He captures the gritty American determination to survive - he has the voice of a rather world weary cowboy.

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The aftermath of 1950's nuclear war

Would you consider the audio edition of Alas, Babylon to be better than the print version?

I think so often I find the reader can detract from an otherwise good story but Will Patton's voice brings the characters to life in a tone that fits right in with the setting of the story. Its measured pace lets the story roll out in front of you and is a real pleasure to listen to.

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FAB!!!

I absolutely loved this audiobook, and being read by Will Patton, it was brilliantly atmospheric, he tackled even the girls parts with a sensitive touch. Totally recommend this book.

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