Although written in the 1950s, this novel's theme of food security is remarkably prescient. A viral pandemic is killing all grasses, thus destroying agriculture. As order breaks down in Britain, John and his family try to make it across the country to the safety of his brother's farm. Foreshadowing books such as The Road, the only wrong note is the regressive view of women - the single sign that it's not as modern as it seems.
(Kate Ellis - bwl 73 Summer 2014 ) |
