Kalki (1978)

Not just your plain everyday end of the world tale! This novel, written in the 1970s, is more of a sociopolitical statement than a novel. Using the Hindu concepts of Vishnu come again as avatar Kalki, to end the current era of human life on earth, the protagonist manages to manipulate the masses in order to achieve his own ends. Not only does he manipulate the common person on the street, but he is able to successfully manipulate Congress, the Chinese Mafia, and the CIA to his own ends. Charisma and intellect combined create a dangerous entity! Yet, without spoiling the book for anyone, I would have to say that if the reader is not enjoying the author's sociopolitical commentary in the first two thirds of the book, the final third is just a great ending to the entire novel, satisfying in many ways! ( )

ספר מדע בידיוני של וידאל העוסק, בין השאר, במערך הצ​ ( )

A surprisingly good novel. Somehow the subject matter, does not at first appeal, but within the context of when it was written, it makes sense. I've always enjoyed Vidal's wit and style. I'd recommend this if you do to. ( )

This forgotten novel by Gore Vidal both entertained and enthralled me when I read it in the early 1980s. The most startling part for me was at the end when only two human beings are left on earth. Vidal describes how quickly nature comes back to cover up man's highways, buildings and bridges. In no time New York City has reverted to a forest with animals roaming. What a wonderful day that would be! ( )

A wacky counterculture view of the U.S. as susceptible to anyone with a messiah complex. In this case, the messiah presents himself as the Hindu god of destruction. Like many of Vidal's novels, way too heavy-handed at times. ( )