Bentley Ferraina
As someone who’s read this twice and even taught it in 9th Grade, it leaves something to be desired. Things that are a little too few and far between: stretches of world-building to make the apocalypse more loved in and undergird; the social critiques; motif bricklaying (e.g. the astronaut stuff); romance plots that aren’t a little skeezy; and explanation for what caused the apocalypse (not always necessary, but could be helpful here).
The influence had on future sci fi like Dune and Star Wars is undeniable, but this read like a radio play. Nearly every scene in every story is just two guys talking in a room. The first two stories overcome the stylistic limitations, but the back half of is rough — despite the compelling (and very 1950s) ideas.
Most people in my book club did not enjoy reading this book. I'm not sure I did either, but it sticks to the ribs. It's trying to be a Great American Novel. I don't think it succeeds, but it's definitely a Very Good American Novel. The ending is bonkers.
Also: in a post-Trump world, I'd love to go back and read the paragraphs about the "indigenous American berserk." I bet that captured a real "the cruelty is the point" energy.
I taught 1984 for a few years, and I always found some new trenchant critique of society with each fresh reading and year of teaching. It's kind of a failed novel; the plot is bad, and the characters are pretty bad. However, it functions marvelously as a series of essays disguised as a novel. The middle third does drag a little. The plot and the characters exist to justify world-building that critiques a new "mode of oppression" with every chapter: tribalism and weaponized hate; propaganda and censorship; manipulation and erasure of truth; etc.
It's far from perfect. It can be wooden and inaccessible, but can required reading be, like, four stars?
