Deluge

An odd book for its time. An-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it plot, but not science fiction per se. The premise is that the earth’s mantle shifts itself to a degree that most of Europe and England are submerged. A few hundred survivors are left on the still dry Upper Cotswolds, which had a mix of farms, coal mines, and heavy industry. Wright uses this premise to exercise his sociological theories.

Even minor characters get detailed histories and motivations as a means to criticizing modern civilization – government, education, economics, law, etc. but especially the damage done to the earth. Wright is a Luddite. He clears the way for a final showdown between humanity’s best and worst elements.

This book was apparently widely popular show more in its day; copies are easily found at Goodwill or Salvation Army stores.

Two minor characters are memorable -
Mary Wittels continues her sheltered life post-deluge without a clue as to the changes in the world
and
Martha Barnes, a "scraggy, sharp-featured woman with a shrill and bitter tongue" who nonetheless, with an astounding shrewdness and capability, singlehandedly foils an invasion plot by the bad guys.

Possibly should be tagged as a seminal book in the sub-genre of teotwawki.

3 + 1/2 stars for clever writing and insights derived from that time period’s assumptions. show less