The Day Of The Triffids

Dating from 1951, this classic apocalyptic survival tale had probably formed the basis of many other novels and movies. In reading it, it was very familiar, although I am unaware of having read it before. I have not seen the movie, although I have certainly seen snippets of the tv series - I have not watched the whole thing. I can only put it down to similarities in the plot to movies.

I won't outline the plot here - there are hundreds of reviews here to do that.

For a book from the early fifties, I was impressed how little the writing felt dated - it read well in a modern context, didn't make a fool of itself with technology and sidestepped well the issue of communication (by which telephones and radio were simply not working from day one).

Like other reviewers, I was surprised that the story didn't revolve around the triffids. They became significantly central towards the end, but were not the principle cause of the events taking place. The name of the novel alone conjures up a more startling involvement in the primary crisis.

An easy, quick and enjoyable diversionary read on a rainy day where I found myself with a little more spare time than normal!

Just short of five stars, but a solid 4 from me.