This morning I watched a recording of last night’s rugby World Cup quarter final between Ireland and New Zealand, and this afternoon that between England and Fiji.
The rest of the day was spent completing my reading of
The copy I inherited from my Auntie Ivy contained a strip of glued
paper which I used as a bookmark.
Even before I reached “Here he learned for the first time of the Russo-Chinese war that had flared up out of the Israeli-Arab war….” on page 9 I had the sense that we were to be embroiled in a disaster to humanity displaying Shute’s prophetic facility. He only pinpointed one aspect of a world bent on self destruction, but did so chillingly, especially bearing in mind where we are at the moment on so many fronts.
We have a love story set against the background of the surge of radiation relentlessly progressing from the north to the south of the globe, where humanity is not expected to survive more than an ever decreasing few months.
With so many echoes of people’s responses to today’s various crises the author warns of what could be to come. His protagonists respond variously with scientific research, denial, resignation, planning for a future they cannot expect to have, partying, and preparation.
The compelling story keeps us gripped and scarcely daring to hope that all will eventually be well. The natural world may survive, but will humanity?
This evening we all dined on succulent roast chicken, fried potatoes and onions, meaty gravy, crunchy carrots, firm broccoli and Brussels sprouts., with which Jackie drank more Lieblich and I drank Doom Bar.
The book sounds like a timely and terrifying read.
Indeed. Thanks very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I read this so long ago…Didn’t they make a movie of it as well?
Yes, Stanley Kubrick’s screen version came out in 1959. Had quite the star-studded cast.
Yes.1959 starring Gregory Peck. Thanks very much, Judy
So many authors made similar predictions and sadly, we are watching them come true. Sounds like an interesting book (and dinner).
Thanks very much, Bridget
The dinner has me salivating
Thanks very much, Mimi
It was a frightening book. Two years after the Stanley Kubrick came out with his movie. I remember I read the book after seeing the movie. Both were hard hitting in their own ways.
Thanks for sharing, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Maj
I read that book in the 1960s and it has stayed with me for decades. Good review, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Pat
Chilling how we are still grappling with the same issues. And the news from the Middle East does nothing to soothe nerves.
Exactly, Laurie. Thank you very much
Definitely a poignantly powerful story Derrick … a futuristic book I was thoroughly enthralled with …
Thanks very much, Ivor
My pleasure Derrick
When I took acting classes in college, the instructor created a scenario like this for us to improvise. I bet he got the idea from this book. It’s scary stuff. I hope humans will miraculously come to our collective senses and evolve into a world of peaceful coexistence. At the very least, I hope the natural world survives. It might even thrive without humans.
Thank you so much, JoAnna
It sounds like a fascinating story, yet right now I am not in the mood for this topic.
Of course not. You won’t need it, Dolly. Thank you very much
Yu are most welcome, Derrick.
I am happy to see that your roses survived the weather, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Dolly
My pleasure, Derrick.
I have reread this novel a few times over the years. Nevil Shute has a knack for important details and for conveying a variety of human emotions without resorting to the cliche or soppiness.
Thanks very much, Anne
I recall reading that in my 20s and feeling horribly chilled by it. Ut worked then and it probably works now.
Thanks a lot, Geoff
My late husband predicted that the next World War will begin in the Middle East. I hope he was wrong.
We all do!
Me, too. Thanks very much, Sue
I will ask Nevil Shute to join my “In” queue, blocked at the moment by the Collected Ghost Storioes” of M R James, in retrospect, not the cleverest purchase I ever made!
Thanks very much, John. I like that M r James collection
I’ve not read this book, but I think I saw a movie based on it. (I’ll have to google that.) I think Mr. Gregory Peck was in the film. I always adored him.
I think nature/natural world WILL outlive humans.
In fact, it might thrive more if humans were not here to abuse it and destroy it.
(((HUGS))) ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø
Thank you very much, Carolyn. You are right about the film. I haven’t seen it X
I think this seems too real to want to re-read the book right now.
Quite so. Had I read it before I would not have repeated it. Thanks very much, Merril
You’re welcome, Derrick.
It is amazing what we find that we use as book marks Derrick.. I was flipping through an older book on my shelf for years I found a receipt of a Hoover I had purchased used for the book mark hidden in the pages.. Dated 1998.. š LoL…
xx
It is a lot of fun, Sue. Thanks very much X
You’ve inspired me to get back into my reading more and more, like I was when I was young. Thanks, Derrick.
I’m pleased, GP. Much appreciated
I remember my mother talking about how haunting the film was, but I (ignorantly) did not know it was based on a novel. Somehow, for me, reading the story in that old, inherited copy would make it even more visceral.
A good point, Ellen
Shute’s book does sound very prophetic, Derrick. I enjoy your book reviews. These are indeed dark days we are living in.
They are – on many counts, Lavinia. Thank you very much
Doom Bar – very appropriate!
I’m glad you spotted that, Sheree
They donāt call me eagle eyed for nothing Derrick
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Will humanity survive? A good question. A positive answer is dubious given manās inhumanity to man.
I’m pleased you picked up my question, Jan. Thank you very much
Thanks for sharing your impressions, Derrick. It seems that your Auntie Ivy used whatever was at hand as bookmarks š Nevil Shute would probably not be surprised to discover that our species today is once again facing the same dilemma. Good question: Will humanity survive what lies ahead?
Thank you very much, Rosaliene – on all fronts
NZ Rugby fans were pretty happy with the win. On the other hand the election results weren’t exactly in the same thrilling vein!
Thanks very much, Catherine
Might need to hide behind the sofa for the English semi final. But the rugby has been sensational.
It has, Gary. England have scraped along so far
I do believe in the aspect of a world bent on self destruction. Sooner or later it will happen.
I am afraid you are right, Ribana. Thanks very much