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dinsdale's review against another edition
3.0
I downloaded this book as a public domain file from LibriVox as I was about to embark on a road trip to Chicago and wanted something to listen to for the 12 hours I would be in the car for the round trip. I rather enjoyed the book. The collection of narrators varied in speed and quality but I got the gist of the book and it made my trip more bearable.
The book was written by Shelley in 1826 and the story took place in the future - the late 21st century. Projections of the future in science fiction are almost always merely just projections of current technology, and so it was in this book- the characters move around using horse-drawn carriages, boats, and balloons. The technology portrayed was pretty much the same as it was in 1826. The story follows the life of main character Lionel Verney from his youth to his late years. The first half or so follows Lionel's life in future English society and in the second half of the book the characters are forced to deal with a plague which moves across the earth and eventually reaches the British Isles. The book is full of interesting characters and to me the overall tone was one of loss and sadness. It was a long listen and my attention drifted a bit but overall I enjoyed it.
The book was written by Shelley in 1826 and the story took place in the future - the late 21st century. Projections of the future in science fiction are almost always merely just projections of current technology, and so it was in this book- the characters move around using horse-drawn carriages, boats, and balloons. The technology portrayed was pretty much the same as it was in 1826. The story follows the life of main character Lionel Verney from his youth to his late years. The first half or so follows Lionel's life in future English society and in the second half of the book the characters are forced to deal with a plague which moves across the earth and eventually reaches the British Isles. The book is full of interesting characters and to me the overall tone was one of loss and sadness. It was a long listen and my attention drifted a bit but overall I enjoyed it.
lotus36's review against another edition
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
shaunaxx's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Kinda slow, was expecting it to be more about surviving as the last man but it was more everyone slowly dying off until he was the only one left. Honestly really liked the characters and their relationships
jjmbookstam92's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The speculative depiction of late 21st century Europe through the eyes of an early 19th century perspective was pretty interesting. The connection to that 1820s history is still undeniable especially the loss of Shelley's entire family and social circle. This proto-dystopian apocalypse is incredibly personal to the writer though it can still resonate with readers who know that sting of loss and lonliness. I compare it to Interview with the Vampire which tells of similar melancholy inspired by deep personal grief. I also wonder whether Stephen King ever read it, as I see some similarities in The Stand as well. Whether it is better to end on King's ultimate hope of survival for human kind or Shelley's uncertainty is up to the reader.
capickles's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
sams84's review against another edition
3.0
I'll be honest, I didn't know much alright anything about this book until it came up on my kindle recommendations and since I loved Frankenstein I just had to give it ago, particularly once I read the synopsis for it. And while I really did enjoy Shelley's writing, it didn't feel like a post apocalyptic novel to me at all. Instead it felt more like an old fashioned adventure where rich aristocrates travel the world getting themselves into trouble, pulling along the odd 'outsider' for a bit of a fresh perspective. This isn't to say I didn't enjoy it but I just struggled to pull out the apocalyptic part until somewhere towards the end of volume 2/the start of volume 3 when it was refered to directly and became and integral part of the story (this could be entirely my fault but still). I also did get myself a little lost between some of the characters as a few of them seemed rather similar to each other, which made things a little difficult to follow at times. Having said all that though, once the plague starting ravaging across Europe again I was utterly engrossed and loved Shelley's portrayal of events as panic sets in and the ruling classes realise they that are not immune from the carnage. I just wish it didn't take so long to get there.
bwood95's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
ngeru's review against another edition
2.0
This was an unusual book. Although it fits into the f/sf category-its an end of the world by plague story, it is set in the 21st and 22nd century, but without any substantial advances-the most sophisticated transport is by balloon and they still use steam and sail. And there are no medical scientists trying to avert the plague. The characters are all of noble birth and therefore all heroes, even where they are abandoned as children but subsequently discovered to be from aristocrat families. England has become a republic, but is appointing a Lord protector, who seems to be an Oliver Cromwell model. Much of the dialogue is expressions of love of each other and of nature, with abundant classical references. Its not really gothic like her Frankenstein. I struggled to finish this, but towards the end it improves and becomes quite tragic-children and friends die in the most Victorian tear jerking fashion. I liked the dog.
carolinevogt's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I'm moderately positively surprised by this book. The story is SO relevant in our contemporary society. Set in the late 21st century, the book(s) follow our main character, Lionel, as he is elevated to the better parts of society in what I can best describe as a homoerotic enemies to lovers/love at first sight relationship. As time passes, a plague breaks out which annihilates social and political institutions and leaves the human race extinct - almost. Set against the backdrop of the covid-19 crisis, this book is almost prophetic in its depiction of a pandemic. It also touches upon many crises which are present in contemporary society, such as climate change and immigration. I rate it 4/5 stars as I quite liked it, but the language IS difficult and the pacing is very slow.
sofie13's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
2.75