Pat G. (scout1968) - , reviewed on 7/29/2010 + 9 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

Given our fragile economy, diminishing status/power in the world, a neglected infrastructure and corrupted political arena, it is not a big stretch to imagine the whole country (for whatever reason) collapsing into chaos and anarchy. This wonderful novel takes place over a decade after the collapse of America as we know it. The main character is a fellow who wanders among surviving communities, performing his own bastardized versions of Shakespeare and other dramatic renderings for food and lodging. He's not a saint, nor a monster...merely someone trying to survive in his own way. After a circumstance in which he snags a dead postman's uniform, he begins weaving a legend of a restored US government. He feels guilty, but clearly enjoys the excellent treatment he receives as the "representative" and Postmaster of this new USA. His myth very soon takes flight, and hope arises in the Oregon communities he visits. What follows is heart-rending. There is a vicious gang who roams the area; destroying, raping, murdering and subsequently turning the conquered communities into harsh serfdoms. Through the hope engendered by the main character, resistance to this dark band of murderers is strengthened. There are victories and heart breaking losses. The main protagonist is wonderfully multi-layered and the world he inhabits is frightfully real. The rest of the characters are nicely fleshed out as well. This is such a beautifully written novel. The reader becomes the silent observer, and, is thus pulled into the soul of the story. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

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