The Last Man

by Mary Shelley, Vince Flynn
The Last Man cover
Good Books rating 3.25
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Paperback • £3.99–£13.99 Hardback • £8.00
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Technical
  • ID: 1161
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2026-04-11
  • ISBN: 9780192838650
  • Publisher: Oxford Paperbacks
  • Published: 1998-07-16
  • Formats: 121
  • Reviews: 4

Mary Shelley's 'The Last Man' is a haunting exploration of the end of human civilization, set in the late twenty-first century. The novel presents a bleak and pessimistic view of mankind facing inevitable destruction, interwoven with idealized portraits of Shelley and Byron. Shelley's work rejects Romanticism and its belief in the power of art and nature to save humanity, offering instead a somber reflection on the fragility of human existence. /n/n The story unfolds through a series of events that lead to the downfall of society, with Shelley's distinctive prose and imaginative storytelling drawing readers into a world on the brink of collapse. The novel's themes of mortality, isolation, and the human condition resonate deeply, making it a timeless classic in the genre of apocalyptic literature.

Reviews
Maria's Corner - Substack · 2025-10-22
hopeful 4.50

Despite the book's bleakness, it offers a hopeful message about humanity's ability to come together for a common cause. The novel is a blend of science fiction, gothic, and autobiographical elements.

This reviewer notes that despite the bleakness of 'The Last Man', Mary Shelley still conveys a sense of hope in humanity's ability to unite for a common cause. They appreciate the novel's blend of science fiction, gothic elements, and autobiographical touches, which add depth and complexity to the story. The reviewer finds the book's vision of the future both chilling and thought-provoking, but ultimately believes in the resilience of human connections. They highlight the novel's unique combination of genres and its enduring relevance.

Quick quotes

    It is funny to see that despite the book's bleakness, Mary Shelley still thought that humanity was able to bond together for a common cause.

    The novel is a combination of a `roman à clefs' and science fiction, with gothic and autobiographic elements.

    In her vision of the end of the 21st century, Shelley's work remains both chilling and thought-provoking.

nsfordwriter.com · N S Ford · 2025-09-27
grim 3.50

The book is beautifully written and poetic but also one of the grimmest and most depressing reads. The vivid descriptions and dramatic tone make it a memorable experience.

The reviewer found The Last Man to be a beautifully written and poetic novel, with a dramatic tone that enhances its narrative. However, they also describe it as one of the grimmest and most depressing books they've ever read. The vivid descriptions and emotional depth make it a memorable experience, though the bleakness may not be for everyone. The reviewer appreciates the literary quality but cautions that the story's pessimism is quite intense.

Quick quotes

    The Last Man is beautifully written, poetic and dramatic.

    It's also one of the grimmest and most depressing books I've ever read.

    The vivid descriptions and emotional depth make it a memorable experience.

CW Clayton Author · CW Clayton · 2025-07-14
miserable 1.00

The book is described as a miserable read, though not entirely without merit. The reviewer appreciates the contemporary criticism of Mary Shelley's imagination.

The reviewer found 'The Last Man' to be a miserable read, highlighting its bleak tone and lack of enjoyment. They acknowledge that while the book may not be enjoyable, it does contain elements of Mary Shelley's imagination that have been criticized by contemporary critics. The reviewer does not dismiss the book entirely but suggests that it is not a light or uplifting read.

Quick quotes

    Put simply, it is not an enjoyable read.

    I wouldn't go as far as the contemporary critic who described Mary Shelley's imagination as “...”

    It is a miserable read.

lit.newcity.com · 2024-04-11
thought-provoking 4.00

The novel's exploration of a plague wiping out humanity is timely and thought-provoking. The emotional impact of the story's loss and loneliness is deeply felt.

The reviewer highlights how Mary Shelley's The Last Man presents a timely and thought-provoking exploration of a plague that wipes out humanity. The emotional impact of the story's loss and loneliness is deeply felt, making it a poignant read. The novel's themes resonate strongly in the context of modern global pandemics, adding a layer of relevance and urgency to the narrative. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to evoke a sense of history and personal loss, making it a compelling and emotionally charged experience.

Quick quotes

    In Mary Shelley's “The Last Man,” an 1826 novel that comes to us now in a new Penguin Classics edition, it is a plague that sweeps the earth clean of humanity.

    The emotional impact of the story's loss and loneliness is deeply felt.

    The novel's themes resonate strongly in the context of modern global pandemics.

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