Jame Howard Kunstler writes survivor fiction in these two novels. In World Made By Hand we learn that Los Angles and Washington, D.C. have been destroyed by terrorist nuclear bombs. The United States has disintegrated into regional government (and there is very little of that) with citizens dealing with no electricity, no oil, and the aftermath of a pandemic flu that killed many young people. The novels are set in up-state New York town called Union Grove. Robert Earle, a carpenter, works to keep his small community functioning. But the influx of a fundamentalist religious group threatens the stability of the survivors. In The Witch of Hebron a psychopathic killer named Billy Bones casually wrecks havoc wherever he goes. The “witch” is a healer whose powers attract both good and evil. If you’re in the mood for post-nuclear holocaust fiction, Kunstler paints a very convincing picture of a grim future. GRADE: B (FOR BOTH)
Is it my imagination or does there seem to be more of these (post-nuclear holocaust novels) lately?
Brendan DuBois’s TWILIGHT is set in upstate New York and is worth checking out, along with his RESURRECTION DAY and FINAL WINTER, all standalone thrillers.
I think you’re right, Jeff. I reviewed Sigrid Nunez’s SALVATION CITY (a post-pandemic disaster novel) about a month ago. I’m not a big fan of the genre, but Kunstler wrote two solid books exploring the implications.
I have the Nunez from the library now (on your say so). As soon as I finish the Michael Connelly I’ll get to it. The Zeltserman is on the way and I’m reading the Ron Rash collection (which I’m enjoying more than anything I’ve read in a long time) and the Black Lizard/Black Mask collection.
I’m chipping away at that BLACK LIZARD/BLACK MASK doorstop, Jeff. Glad you’re enjoying the Ron Rash collection. He’s a real up-and-comer.