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Post by janetandjohn on Jan 5, 2017 9:28:15 GMT
Sometimes you read a book with a tear, sometimes with a smile and some you throw across the room. I finished this with a smile, even though it is a tale of dystopia - a city analyst who runs away from his job when he realises that a computer programme he invented is definitely showing him what he thought it would, but with disastrous results. The disaster could be an end-of-the-world scenario, and when he finds himself being given the kiss of life on a beach in Cornwall it may already have happened. And if it hasn't, it is going to. He isn't dead, he doesn't know why, but there must be a purpose here somewhere. Perhaps his purpose is to save the villagers from starvation? infection? what?
There are some dark moments in this book, but it isn't a dark tale. It is a heartwarming one, of how, if we are lucky, friends and neighbours just may help out when something is obviously going badly wrong. A clever telling of what might be. And..... of course, not forgetting the whale!
PS. Do please read the author's postscripts when you have finished... there are a few eye-openers there.
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Post by pennyt on Jan 22, 2017 8:18:24 GMT
I thoroughly enjoyed this story which is based on a modern apocalypse scenario, the theory that what will bring about the collapse of our civilisation won't be war or a financial crisis or the running out of the oil, or even AIDS or ebola, but something much more commonplace. It's an interesting take on a theme that has engendered a fair amount of dystopian literature; in contrast to much of that canon, Not Forgetting the Whale is a heartwarming and uplifting story, shot through with humour, that makes you feel that mankind probably isn't as bad, nor his future as bleak, as the news can sometimes make you feel. I particularly liked the biblical echoes throughout that give the story something of the timeless quality of a fable, as do the "flash forwards" to times after the end of this particular tale when the villagers look back on what are to them at that point legendary events.
All in all a nice balance of dark and light, disaster and redemption, tragedy and comedy, that ultimately leaves the reader feeling optimistic. Which, against the backdrop of the cataclysmic year just past, isn't at all a bad thing!
PS: I also agree with Mrs Mac that the author's postscripts shouldn't be overlooked, as they provide a lot more food for thought about the potential implications of this book beyond its covers.
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Post by windysisters on Feb 27, 2017 10:24:03 GMT
I read this earlier in the month and could not put it down. I loved how the author sort of keeps you guessing as to what will bring about the collapse.
As with most dystopian novels, the book is a study of human nature but this book does it in a very warm way, not clinically as some authors might.
When the City Analyst is describing his work I found lots to talk to my OH about as he is very interested in the stock market.
I have been recommending this book to people and have suggested it as a read for my book group too!
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Post by janetandjohn on Feb 27, 2017 13:36:06 GMT
I'm so glad people are reading and enjoying this one. We have to thank an ex-RISI member (Annie130) for bringing this to my attention. She's a busy reviewer and blogger now, you will find her at her blog called Being Anne.
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