Book Review - Things we didn't See Coming by Steven Amsterdam (Large Print)
By MidgetGem, 21st Aug 2011 | Follow this author
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Posted in WikinutReviewsBooksDramatic Fiction
The story of one man's journey from boy to adult in a post-Y2K disaster ridden world.
Story Outline
The story takes you through several stages in the life of a post-apocalyptic survivor, from nine year old boy to middle aged man. The world has been hit by an unspecified disaster although the book hints at a year 2000 computer meltdown being the cause. Society has broken down with flood, disease and starvation prevalent in a world once accustomed to material riches and comfort.
The writing style changes as the story progresses. The first chapter seen through the eyes of a nine year old boy has such innocence that I wondered if I'd actually picked up a children's book at the library. A more cynical tone appears once he becomes a young adult stealing food and clothes from abandoned homes. He abuses his position as a government official to gain access to forbidden areas, enabling him to escape the viral infection which is sweeping across the land.
Along the way he meets characters who will affect him deeply, one being his girlfriend Margo who is able to show him a thing or two about survival.
I won't spoil the ending for you suffice to say his life has almost come first circle when he meets someone from his past.
Pros and Cons
PROS
This edition of the book is published in large print, a great advantage to someone like me with less than perfect eyesight. As such, I found the book was a quick read and I was able to finish it within a few days. The theme is interesting and makes a change from nuclear war or invaders from outer space.
CONS
Important characters in the story disappear without explanation. His mother is not mentioned once he becomes an adult, while Margo also drops off the page somewhere in his thirties. I would have liked more explanation of what caused the disaster in the first place. Where did the virus come from and would it eventually kill off the entire human race?
Book Details
Things we didn't See Coming - Steven Amsterdam
Published by Ulverscroft Large Print in 2009
USBN: 978-1-4448-0804-9
Comments
22nd Aug 2011 (#)
Great review. Thought I might read this - but I don't like characters disappearing without trace, so probably not. Again, though, fab review, Midget Gem.
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22nd Aug 2011 (#)
Thanks Sheila, your comments are much appreciated.
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22nd Aug 2011 (#)
Sounds like a good read, I love this sort of book, thanks MidgetGem!
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23rd Aug 2011 (#)
Thanks Delicia.
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22nd Aug 2011 (#)
Thanks Delicia.
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22nd Aug 2011 (#)
A very interesting review, many thanks Midgetgem
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25th Aug 2011 (#)
Thanks for giving us a great review of this book, MidgetGem...
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25th Aug 2011 (#)
Thanks Carol and Songbird.
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