On The Beach

54 replies

CoteDAzur · 15/09/2012 19:12

Has anyone read On The Beach?

I'm about 10 pages in and finding it a bit laughable.

Do I persevere?

OP posts:

Original poster

CoteDAzur · 15/09/2012 19:40

I'm at the very beginning, but found it unrealistic and yes, a bit laughable that they are all soon going to die but the guy's wife is concerned about his career and so he wouldn't think of refusing an assignment, which would take him away from his wife & newborn baby for months. It doesn't occur to him that as certain death approaches, all pretense of civilization will break down and his wife & baby will be in danger.

Have I misunderstood something?

OP posts:

goodiegoodieyumyum · 15/09/2012 19:34

Why do you find it laughable, it was written when people had a real fear of a nuclear war, I like Nevil Shute but I suppose most of his novels are a bit dated.

trudat · 15/09/2012 19:32

I liked it. I think with any science fiction written half a century ago or more, set in the present or recent past, it's easy to get lost in the details which seem silly.

It's not as good imo, as Brave New World, but it has stayed with me. Maybe as I read it while pregnant.

exoticfruits · 15/09/2012 19:28

I don't know- I read it about 30 years ago but it may be dated if I tried it now.

Unflip

1 2 3