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alreadyemily's review
3.0
A glimpse into the lives of the Plain Folk set against a dystopian landscape.
maceyshofroth's review
2.0
I wanted to like this book more and I think it has a good story line, but the voice was just so boring. I never seem to like books written in the journal format. A different point of view would have benefited this book a lot.
jennc's review
5.0
Sometimes you read the right book at the perfect time for you. This was that book for me.
kennedyfio_'s review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
meowyagnes's review
dark
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
jbrins1's review
challenging
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
cornmaven's review
4.0
OK, David Williams, you lost a star with that ending!! I am a huge fan of novels that leave you guessing, wondering, but this was TOO much!
A very sober look at what might happen when all of the world loses its technology through a natural disaster, this time from a sun storm. The Amish communities around the U.S., however, can manage pretty well (not perfectly). But when the rest of society breaks down into anarchy and mayhem, their normal isolation is threatened badly.
This is diary form, told by one Amish man as he works to keep his family alive and safe. Themes of commitment to a pure obedience form of faith, love for all (even the English), total pacifism, and making decisions in the face of upheaval. I marveled at Jacob's inner strength while at the same time wondered how he could not go Papa Bear when his children's lives are at stake.
The peek into Amish life is interesting, including the reveal that there is disagreement between communities about just how far one can go in accepting technology. Long and tense debates within a community, where everyone must agree was also a hallmark. I have always wondered where the cutoff is in terms of embracing technology and I could see there is some wiggle room.
An interesting idea to ponder is what could have happened if the Amish could have convinced the English to be patient and collaborative so that people would not die and starve, while rebuilding civilization. I suppose that is too much to ask of human nature.
Pair this with Station Eleven for a nice week of post-apocalyptic stories.
I thought the beginning page which appeared to be the start of a framed tale was wasted on the fact that there was no other frame at the end. It made no sense, but could have.
A very sober look at what might happen when all of the world loses its technology through a natural disaster, this time from a sun storm. The Amish communities around the U.S., however, can manage pretty well (not perfectly). But when the rest of society breaks down into anarchy and mayhem, their normal isolation is threatened badly.
This is diary form, told by one Amish man as he works to keep his family alive and safe. Themes of commitment to a pure obedience form of faith, love for all (even the English), total pacifism, and making decisions in the face of upheaval. I marveled at Jacob's inner strength while at the same time wondered how he could not go Papa Bear when his children's lives are at stake.
The peek into Amish life is interesting, including the reveal that there is disagreement between communities about just how far one can go in accepting technology. Long and tense debates within a community, where everyone must agree was also a hallmark. I have always wondered where the cutoff is in terms of embracing technology and I could see there is some wiggle room.
An interesting idea to ponder is what could have happened if the Amish could have convinced the English to be patient and collaborative so that people would not die and starve, while rebuilding civilization. I suppose that is too much to ask of human nature.
Pair this with Station Eleven for a nice week of post-apocalyptic stories.
I thought the beginning page which appeared to be the start of a framed tale was wasted on the fact that there was no other frame at the end. It made no sense, but could have.
kirstenrose22's review
3.0
An interesting twist on the post-apocalyptic novel, but doesn't end up going far enough. Needed more.... *something*.
elderwoodreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I am predicting early that this will be my best book of 2024. Completely unique and so compelling with a perfect ending. I am not a person of faith but I was so incredibly moved by every word of this book. Completely worth the read and will likely be coming back to it many times over.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Blood, Grief, Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Infertility, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Vomit, Medical content, Pregnancy, and Alcohol