Afterland

by Lauren Beukes
Afterland cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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  • ID: 1177
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9781405923712
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2020-05-15
  • Formats: 14
  • Reviews: 4

Afterland is a gripping post-apocalyptic thriller that explores a world where women dominate the population after a virus wipes out most men. Cole and her son Miles are on the run, with deadly pursuers including Cole's own sister, Billie, hot on their heels. The novel delves into themes of survival, motherhood, and the lengths one will go to protect their family. Praised for its intelligent writing and powerful narrative, Afterland is a timely and thought-provoking read that combines action with deep societal commentary. /n/n Lauren Beukes, the author behind the acclaimed Shining Girls, brings her signature style to this new thriller, which has been featured in numerous 'Best Books of Summer 2020' lists. The story is not just a chase for survival but also an exploration of the dynamics of power and gender in a world turned upside down. With its fast-paced action and profound themes, Afterland is a must-read for fans of speculative fiction.

Reviews
Locus Magazine · Ian Mond · 2020-11-11
mixed 3.00

The character depictions are engaging, but the narrative choices in the second half are less impressive. The story raises important questions about societal structures and survival.

Ian Mond appreciates the depth of the characters in Afterland, finding them well-developed and engaging. However, they are less satisfied with the narrative choices made in the latter part of the book, which they feel detract from the overall impact. The novel explores compelling themes about societal structures and survival in a post-apocalyptic world, making it a thought-provoking read despite its flaws. Mond highlights the author's ability to create a vivid and immersive setting, but they believe the story could have benefited from a more consistent narrative approach.

Quick quotes

    As much as I enjoyed Beukes's depiction of the characters, I was less impressed with the narrative choices she makes in the second half of the book.

    The story raises important questions about societal structures and survival.

    The novel explores compelling themes about societal structures and survival in a post-apocalyptic world.

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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