Afterland

by Lauren Beukes
Afterland cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
Technical:
  • ID: 1177
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2025-09-27
  • ISBN: 9781405923712
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2020-05-15
  • Formats: 14
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99

Afterland is a gripping post-apocalyptic thriller set in a world where a virus has decimated the male population. Cole and her son Miles are on the run, as Miles is one of the few surviving boys. The story explores themes of survival, motherhood, and the lengths one will go to protect their family. The novel has been praised for its intelligent writing and timely themes, blending action with deep social commentary. /n/n Lauren Beukes, the author of The Shining Girls, delivers a powerful narrative that has been featured in numerous 'Best Books of Summer 2020' lists. The book is noted for its visceral action sequences and feminist undertones, making it a standout in the dystopian genre.

Reviews
The Strawberry Post · 2020-09-11
thought-provoking 4.00

Afterland is an interesting dystopian thriller set in 2023 that explores a world where men have been wiped out. The reviewer found it to be a compelling and thought-provoking read.

The reviewer appreciates the unique setting of Afterland, which imagines a world without men and the societal changes that would entail. They find the novel to be a compelling exploration of this premise, with a well-paced narrative that keeps the reader engaged. The reviewer also notes that the novel's themes are particularly relevant in the current social climate, making it a thought-provoking read. However, they feel that some of the characters could have been developed more deeply to enhance the overall impact.

Quick quotes

    Afterland is an interesting dystopian thriller set in the year 2023!

    It is a novel that hits close to home in a way after all that we as a world have been through this year.

    The author's writing is excellent throughout, and the pacing is pretty good throughout.

The New York Times · 2020-07-28
entertaining 3.50

Lauren Beukes's fifth novel is a smartly written thriller that opens with a satisfying bang. It blends psychological suspense with American noir elements.

The reviewer highlights that Afterland is a thrilling and well-written novel that immediately grips the reader with its intense opening scene. The blend of psychological suspense and American noir elements creates a unique and engaging narrative. They also appreciate the clever premise and the way it explores deeper themes, making it a compelling read. However, they note that the novel could have delved deeper into some of its ideas to fully realize its potential.

Quick quotes

    Lauren Beukes's fifth novel is a smartly written thriller that opens with a satisfying bang: a parent and child on the run after escaping a government compound.

    It's a novel that undercooks its premise, but it's still a genuinely entertaining read.

    Beukes is a fine writer, and Afterland is a genuinely entertaining read.

New Scientist · 2020-07-22
powerful 4.50

Lauren Beukes's new speculative novel imagines a world stripped overnight of men. The reviewer finds it to be a powerful and intelligent exploration of gender dynamics.

The reviewer praises Afterland for its bold and imaginative premise, which challenges traditional gender roles and explores the implications of a world without men. They find the novel to be a powerful and intelligent exploration of these themes, with a well-crafted narrative that keeps the reader engaged. The reviewer also appreciates the way the novel blends speculative fiction with social commentary, making it a thought-provoking read. However, they note that some of the plot points could have been developed more fully to enhance the overall impact.

Quick quotes

    Lauren Beukes's new speculative novel imagines a world stripped overnight of men.

    Do women do a better job of running things?

    Powerful and intelligent.

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