Leigh Brackett (1915–1978)

This book from 1955 is on a par with the dystopian tales from Margaret Atwood and I am really surprised it is not better known. I read this at a slow pace which worked well for me, as the book goes at a slow pace. It describes a life in Ohio about 75 years after an atomic war that destroyed the cities. What survives is a society who could live off the land, the New Mennonites, and similar sects. But there is also a secret place, rumored anyways, where the old technology knowledge is kept alive. This is almost a young adult novel with the issues it addresses but it is really a finely written piece of literature.

The novel is divided into three books and I think the final book, for me, and maybe the characters themselves, was a bit of a letdown. The novel as a whole is still deserving of 4 stars, and recommended to anyone who reads dystopian fiction.… (lisätietoja)

Some hate this; I loved it. Just go in with an open mind. Gould is not Bogart, nor is he trying to be. But he is a man on a mission and he doesn't get distracted by the nude hippies who live next door or someone threatening to emasculate him with a knife. He just keeps insinuating himself into people's lives until he gets to the bottom of things. And it's rock bottom, to be sure. Lots of other memorable performances, particularly Mark Rydell (much better known as an Academy Award-winning director who is riveting as a gang boss). Then there's the waitress that Altman, Gould, and Rydell picked out from a restaurant and gave her a key part--her only film appearance. She is part of the film's most shocking scene, and one that rivals anything I've ever seen. Don't miss this movie. The locations are also incredible, including the High Tower elevator and director Altman's own house, which serves as the house of writer Sterling Hayden and wife Nina Van Pallandt. And then there is Jim "Ball Four" Bouton, who certainly looks the part, even if he doesn't deliver a stellar performance. But he doesn't embarrass himself either. Also, great cars in this one. Don't miss it. Great ending.… (lisätietoja)