Adversity

A post nuclear halocast story, set in Labrador, where any mutation can be executed, finds a community of fringers with a more liberal approach and escapes to BNew Zealand by sea. I read a hardcover early edition. ( )

I first read this book as a teenager and had always remembered it - although for a long time I didn't know what it was called. So I decided to reread as an audiobook. It was just as wonderful as I remembered and I was absolutely astonished by how much of it I did remember from 40 years ago! It made an impression on me as a teenager. I don't really know why this book speaks to me. I've always had a fascination with telepathy so that is probably part of it. But it's low level "this society is actually horrendous whilst seeming quite normal" feeling is so well done. Loved it. ( )

I had to read this in high school and I remember really disliking it. But I thought I would give it another go. I actually liked it better than I remembered but I still didn't love it.
David is the main character and he's living in a post apocalyptic world. Their village is extremely religious and anything that is considered deviant is destroyed. That includes crops, animals and people. There is also a fringe area on the outskirts of the town where deviants that have survived live. The book takes place over a number of years as David is starting to question some of the things that his family and their village believe. He also can communicate with a small group of people by telepathy.
It was an interesting book and the second half kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen. But I still thought it was a very depressing book. I don't think I would read it again.
Review coming soon to the Literary Club Podcast
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1984185 ( )

Probably my favourite John Wyndham.
Multi-layered story, dark and disturbing whilst still promising the hope of redemption.
His prose is an utter joy to experience. ( )