Review: Alas, Babylon

Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I stumbled on this classic of science fiction nuclear apocolypse rather by accident. Dating from the late 50s, just prior to the Cuban Missile Crisis, this is a remarkably vivid vision of nuclear war from the vantage point of a small town in Florida. Retaining the rather optimistic view that some could survive the exchange of nuclear weapons (before ICBMs and submarine based ICBMs really came fully into use), it looks at the horror of the attack, but focuses especially on the challenges of the aftermath. It is an interesting study of human nature under terrible conditions, with a late 50s vibe.

It is a book of its age, of course. It is rampently sexist (surely, no woman could possible be a leader in her own right, just as an adjunct to the men in her life whose job is to protect her- that eye roll was repeatedly painful) and casually racist. But, not as racist as you might think. Frank does include black characters and, indeed, the black family down the road proves to be crucial for the survival of the small community through their technical know how and their use of an artesian well which guarantees fresh water. Oh yes, the sole, individualist libertarian hero, leading the whole community by virtue of his natural gifts of command and, eventually, his status as a US Army reserve officer. I'm not saying anything of these things are good, but, surprisingly, the story is so good, that it is still worth reading as an example of the era.

So, definitely worthwhile digging out this book. It deserves a place next to Fail Safe and Canticle for Leibowitz as excellent early examples of early apocalyptic fiction.

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