A book of its time

The book was published in 1957 when there was a very real threat of nuclear war: this explains in large part why it seems so innocent and world-weary. If you accept this and do not try to put it into a modern context, then the blandness of the story is understandable and (more to the point) it becomes well worth listening to because Shute is, above all, a masterly storyteller.

The characters are well-drawn if a little caricatured in their stiff upper lip simplicity. Nonetheless, it is impossible not to feel for them and to feel a sense of real sadness as the inevitability of the ending approaches.

It is well and sensitively read and, even if this sort of book is not to everybody's taste, it is well worth listening to.

Can we have more Shute, please?

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4 people found this helpful

Good and different

Took me a little while to get into but once I did it was very good.

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1 person found this helpful

an excellent book, marred only by its own age

The trouble with this book is that it's old. Even though we're now in the true atomic age, it's a relic from the past, and in today's society it has no hook or frame of relevance.

You'd think that the fear of nuclear war would make it more relevant, but character behaviour is so different to modern society it's practically alien.

So - that's the bad stuff. If you can remember anything prior to the Cold War, or have a historical interest in a good book this is a read you should get.

If you replace every other word in the book with "resigned" and then every word that's left with "inevitability" you get the idea. Everybody knows they're doomed, and you know it too - but the way characters accept their fate and deal with it is fascinating. The race at the end is proper gung-ho adventure in its own right, and the sub's last trip is highly charged for both the crew and reader.

People should read or listen to this book, but need to get into the late 1950's mindset before they do so.

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Thought provoking

This was an excellent audiobook for walking with. I could hardly wait until the next installment on my daily walk. Story thought provoking and narrator did a sterling job. Very good buy.

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12 people found this helpful

Stupendous

What's a great novel brilliantly written and beautifully read it was also a bit scary knowing it could really happen

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Waiting for the End

This book is perhaps the most engaging novel I've ever listened to. Smillie's fantastic narration brings out the pathos and humour in this work. Previously reading "The Plague" by Camus helped me digest the awfulness of the situation Shute portrayed. I cannot stop thinking about this novel.

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Civilised Resignation

You can see why people like John Wyndham's 'Cosy Catastrophes' - you can enjoy harrowing stories if there is some element of a happy ending.

Shute does the opposite. The details of the war never really feature, just elements of the aftermath. And as the end nears, the surviving world remains very civilised and fairly comfortable until the bleak ending is realised. And a complete ending too - no ambiguity or lingering hope.

It would be a stretch to say I 'enjoyed' the book. It was well-written and hasn't agreed too badly. It was interesting and thought-provoking at times. But I'm going to have to cleanse my mental palate by listening to some light escapism.

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devastating

i was in tears at the end. one can only imagine the impact this had when it was published. a slow burner but comes with a massive emotional wollop. one of those books that makes you realise the value of life and the people you love.

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Exceptional work, moving and extremely well read..

This is a book I have returned to many times....though it's theme is grim and apocalyptic even, it's story and characters are extremely well written and are portrayed with great skill and care by its narrator James Smile who is able to effectively and memorably bring to life each character that makes you really care about them and their fate.
It's message remains as important ever and, whilst inevitably dated in some regards, its themes of courage, human frailty and dignity in the midst of impending disaster, never fail to resonate with me.
I really cannot recommend this audiobook enough..

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Essential listening

I read this book probably 35y ago - and every part of it has stayed with me. The audio version is thoroughly gripping - a quietly told tale of Armageddon. Whether reading the book or listening to it, it makes me sob every time.
As with other Shute books, yes it is very 'of its time' and could be seen as dated and too 'stiff upper lip-ish'. Don't let that put you off - this book will stay in your memory for a very long time.

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26 people found this helpful