Reviews

A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr.

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gageofthegoats's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

jazzypizzaz's review against another edition

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4.0

Amusing and sly from the start, while the specter of the post-apocalyptic setting haunts throughout. Clever, funny, incredibly thoughtful, and in the end *chilling*. I was quite tickled by the premise of the cockroach nature of the Catholic Church, that whatever happens to the rest of humanity it will pesevere in its traditions for millennia regardless of context, though this does raise further questions: After the conclusion, I'm left wondering about the future of the abbey post-Earth -- by continuing to preserve knowledge and humanity, will we be doomed to begin the cycle of destruction anew, in whatever world we end up? Is that the inevitable nature of humanity, from that first bite of the apple to the splitting of the atom? Can we forgive God for the pain we bring upon ourselves?

fredosbrother's review against another edition

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challenging dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

zila's review against another edition

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challenging mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot

4.0

ptrevs's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

I really enjoyed this book, but it wasn’t perfect and definitely isn’t for everyone. It’s not really a plot driven novel, more a reflection about humanity, and the relationship between materialism and religion.