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meghadutam's review against another edition
2.0
An odd book. A collection of wonders; imaginative scenes strung together with barely any narrative. Was glad when it was finished.
ricparks's review against another edition
3.0
A very fun read for people who enjoy science fiction of the 60's and 70's as I do. If you take the time to accept the slightly stilted dialogue and are patient with some techno-pontificating, it's a fast-moving and entertaining picaresque.
matosapa's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
krakentamer's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting book that shows a future over 1500 years after the collapse of civilization and one man's attempt to restart it. This is very much a product of it's times (early 1970's), where people were attempting to come to grasps with the rapid technological changes happening in the world. Definitely not the most action-packed book that I've ever read, and I'm not sure that I agree with the central premise ((not a spoiler!) that mankind eventually rebels so thoroughly against technology that all tech is destroyed, to the extent that even pages are ripped from the few remaining books that might've otherwise helped rebuild society), but it was definitely thought-provoking.
This is only the second Simak novel that I've read (the other one - [b:The Visitors|191003|The Visitors|Clifford D. Simak|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1203026235s/191003.jpg|2381578] - was read while I was in high school over 30 years ago), although I've read some short stories of his. I think that I'll seek out others of his.
This is only the second Simak novel that I've read (the other one - [b:The Visitors|191003|The Visitors|Clifford D. Simak|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1203026235s/191003.jpg|2381578] - was read while I was in high school over 30 years ago), although I've read some short stories of his. I think that I'll seek out others of his.
wildweasel105's review against another edition
4.0
A thoughtful, intelligent view into the distant future, whereby mankind has been forced to eke out his existence in a primitive fashion. Simak poses the question, "What if technology dooms us all to failure and brings us near to annihilation?" Indeed, this highly imaginative, powerful story takes us on a journey searching for the history of mankind before the Great Fall...that point in history where technology and robots took over. Then civilization was reduced to wandering tribes of savages struggling to survive.
A stark, yet almost believable dystopia that keeps one's interest to the very end.
This is my first Clifford Simak novel, and I enjoyed it very much.
A stark, yet almost believable dystopia that keeps one's interest to the very end.
This is my first Clifford Simak novel, and I enjoyed it very much.
snood's review against another edition
4.0
I didn’t think a post-apocalyptic novel could be described as cozy, but this was a joy to read. Despite being a science fiction, it has the feel of a road-trip fantasy story. It starts with a single protagonist, but collects more as it goes on “Wizard of Oz”-style.
Despite the bleakness of the world, a hopefulness is kept up with the characters and maintains itself to the end, a welcome change from much of its contemporaries.
Despite the bleakness of the world, a hopefulness is kept up with the characters and maintains itself to the end, a welcome change from much of its contemporaries.
grinchem's review
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
I had a weird time, and it was wildly unpredictable, but I enjoyed the trip! Meg the Hilltop Witch is my favorite character in the story
Content Warnings
No romance or sexual content
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