The Long Tomorrow
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4.3 • 4 Ratings
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- $7.99
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
One of the original novels of post-nuclear-holocaust America, The Long Tomorrow is considered by many to be one of the finest science fiction novels ever written on the subject. The story has inspired generations of new writers and is still as mesmerizing today as when it was originally written.
Len and Esau are young cousins living decades after a nuclear war has destroyed civilization as we know it. The rulers of the post-war community have forbidden the existence of large towns and consider technology evil.
However, Len and Esau long for more than their simple agrarian existence. Rumors of mythical Bartorstown, perhaps the last city in existence, encourage the boys to embark on a journey of discovery and adventure that will call into question not only firmly held beliefs, but the boys' own personal convictions.
Customer Reviews
The entire first section is amazing (And then…)
Like many books, if the entire novel had maintained the quality of the first passages, this would have been a great book.
The first section has a dreamy, reflective quality to it. Rather than being told what happens, you get to experience it. Sensory impressions, thought processes, emotional breakthroughs are fully realized. It’s a place so real, you never want to leave. If the novel ended at Book One this would be a Five Star rating.
Unfortunately, the following sections do not maintain the same quality.
Subsequent sections lose the cathartic bursts of understanding and instead become simplistic dialogue driven explanations. Rushed exposition eventually becomes tedious and maudlin. The depictions of female characters are highly problematic and outdated, to say the least.
Thematically, the book deals with fanaticism in its different forms and (in the opening sections) does so with depth and beauty. Towards the middle and end though, discussions on obsessions and religious zeal become so one dimensional as to be pure vaudeville.
Rating this book is difficult. The first section is a five star book, the second section is a three star book. And the final section is a one star book.