A Canticle for Leibowitz

by Walter M. Miller, Jr.
A Canticle for Leibowitz cover
Good Books rating 3.81
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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  • ID: 1150
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9781473211117
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2014-12-22
  • Reviews: 4

Set in a desolate Utah desert after a global catastrophe known as the Flame Deluge, this Hugo Award-winning novel follows the Order of St. Leibowitz, a group of monks dedicated to preserving and studying ancient knowledge. Through their efforts, they hope to restore humanity to a state of grace, but the weight of history and the dangers of rediscovery loom large. The story delves into themes of faith, science, and the cyclical nature of human progress and destruction. By examining the monks' meticulous preservation of 'Holy Relics'—fragments of pre-apocalypse knowledge—the novel explores whether such knowledge is a path to salvation or a harbinger of doom, raising profound questions about humanity's ability to learn from its past.

Reviews
One Reading Nurse · One Reading Nurse · 2024-03-02
thought-provoking 4.00

The book is a challenging but rewarding read that delves into the complexities of faith and the preservation of knowledge. It offers a unique blend of science fiction and religious themes.

This novel is a challenging read, not just because of its dense prose and complex themes, but also because it asks profound questions about the nature of faith and the preservation of knowledge. The story of monks dedicated to safeguarding relics and texts from a bygone era is both intriguing and thought-provoking. The author's exploration of these themes is nuanced and layered, making it a rewarding experience for those willing to engage with its deeper messages. The blend of science fiction and religious themes creates a rich and immersive narrative that invites readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the value of knowledge in a post-apocalyptic world. The reviewer appreciates the novel's depth and complexity, even if it is a challenging read.

Quick quotes

    The novel's exploration of faith and the preservation of knowledge is both intriguing and thought-provoking.

    The story of monks dedicated to safeguarding relics and texts from a bygone era is both intriguing and thought-provoking.

    The blend of science fiction and religious themes creates a rich and immersive narrative that invites readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the value of knowledge in a post-apocalyptic world.

Ruined Chapel · 2024-01-26
somber 3.75

The book is not a feel-good tale but captures the zeitgeist of the 1950s and '60s with themes of space travel and nuclear war.

Ruined Chapel's review notes that the book is not designed to be a feel-good read but rather a serious exploration of post-nuclear holocaust themes. They appreciate how it captures the essence of the 1950s and '60s zeitgeist, including themes of space travel and the looming threat of nuclear war. The review suggests that the book's somber tone and thought-provoking content make it a significant work in science fiction.

Quick quotes

    The book, in short, is not really a feel-good tale.

    It does include two of the hallmarks of 1950s and '60s zeitgeist: space travel and nuclear war.

    A somber and thought-provoking exploration of post-nuclear holocaust themes.

Tarvolon · 2023-12-15
profound 4.00

This book is a profound exploration of faith and knowledge in a post-apocalyptic world. The narrative is deep and thought-provoking, though occasionally slow-paced.

Tarvolon's review highlights the book's unique blend of science fiction and religious themes, praising its depth and philosophical questions. They appreciate the way it portrays the preservation of knowledge and the cyclical nature of human history. However, they also note that the pacing can be slow at times, which might not appeal to all readers. The review suggests that the book is best suited for those who enjoy thought-provoking and introspective reads.

Quick quotes

    A profound exploration of faith and knowledge in a post-apocalyptic world.

    The narrative is deep and thought-provoking.

    Occasionally slow-paced.

The New Yorker · 2014-10-22
thought-provoking 3.50

The book has aged well but lacks female characters, which is a notable flaw. Its themes remain relevant and thought-provoking.

The New Yorker's review acknowledges the book's timeless themes and its ability to provoke deep thought. They point out that the near absence of women is a significant drawback, which might be jarring for contemporary readers. Despite this, they appreciate the book's exploration of human civilization and its potential future, making it a compelling read for those interested in post-apocalyptic fiction.

Quick quotes

    Canticle has aged well, but for many contemporary readers the book will have a glaring flaw: a nearly total lack of women.

    It envisions a potential course for human civilization that's both chilling and thought-provoking.

    A sprawling, intricate post-apocalyptic novel that blends religious faith with science fiction.

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