The Gone-Away World

by Nick Harkaway
The Gone-Away World cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Fantasy, Political, Military, Adventure
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99–£10.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 1182
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9781407005621
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2008-09-04
  • Formats: 17
  • Reviews: 4

In a world where the Jorgmund Pipe serves as the backbone, Gonzo Lubitsch is hired to put out a fire that's more than it seems. Joined by his best friend and narrator, Gonzo embarks on a journey that delves into their past and the dark secrets of the Jorgmund Company. The story is a blend of raucous adventure, comic odyssey, and Romantic Epic, exploring themes of love, loss, and the desperate need for heroes in a world much like our own. Along the way, they encounter ninjas, pirates, and political intrigue, stretching their friendship to its limits. The Gone-Away World is a tale of curious heroism in strange and dangerous places, where the line between reality and fantasy blurs.

Reviews
City of Tongues · 2025-09-27
entertaining 4.00

The novel is described as a wild, adventurous post-apocalyptic journey with plenty of charm and wit to overlook its improbabilities. It's a story that jumps over its own inconsistencies with ease.

This review paints the book as a lively and imaginative post-apocalyptic adventure. The reviewer appreciates the novel's energy and humor, which help to carry the story through its more far-fetched moments. They highlight the book's ability to entertain and engage, making it a thrilling read despite its length and occasional rambling. The reviewer also notes the unique voice and style of the author, which adds to the overall enjoyment of the story.

Quick quotes

    The Gone Away World is a crazed, shaggy-dog post-apocalyptic picaresque, with more than enough brio and cheek to leap its improbabilities in a single bound.

    It's a wild ride through a world that's both terrifying and wondrous.

    The novel's strength lies in its ability to balance humor and horror, making it a uniquely entertaining read.

CL Siewert's Blog · CL Siewert · 2013-05-03
thoughtful 4.50

The book is noted for its depth and complexity, offering new insights with each read. It's not a comforting read but one that reveals more with every revisit.

The reviewer finds that this book is rich with layers of meaning and detail that unfold with each reading. They emphasize that it's not a simple, comforting story but rather one that challenges and rewards the reader with new discoveries. The reviewer appreciates the book's complexity and the way it invites multiple interpretations and reflections. They suggest that the book's true value lies in its ability to surprise and engage readers over time.

Quick quotes

    It's one of those kinds of books that offers more each time through.

    Not the lull of a comforting, familiar read, but the folds of the 'ah-ha!'

    The book's depth and complexity make it a rewarding read that continues to reveal new insights.

Kara Reviews · Kara Babcock · 2009-05-17
excellent 5.00

The story is long and rambling but comes together beautifully in the end. It is filled with memorable moments that make the journey worthwhile.

Kara Babcock highlights that The Gone-Away World is indeed a long and rambling story, but it all comes together in the end. The journey is filled with memorable moments, including what she calls 'Crowning Moments of Awesome,' that make the read worthwhile. She appreciates the book's ability to weave together various elements into a satisfying whole. The narrative's length and meandering pace might deter some readers, but those who stick with it will be rewarded with a rich and engaging experience. The book's humor and action sequences are particularly noteworthy, adding to its overall appeal.

Quick quotes

    The Gone Away World is unquestionably a long, rambling story. But it all comes together in the end.

    There are Crowning Moments of Awesome and so much more to enjoy.

    The narrative's length and meandering pace might deter some readers, but those who stick with it will be rewarded.

The Guardian · Steven Poole · 2008-05-23
thrilling 4.00

The reviewer is both thrilled and exhausted by the novel's combat-filled portrayal of a post-apocalyptic world. They find the story intense and engaging.

Steven Poole expresses a mix of excitement and fatigue while reading this novel, highlighting its intense and action-packed portrayal of a post-apocalyptic world. He finds the story compelling and thrilling, despite its length and the sheer amount of action. Poole appreciates the novel's ability to keep the reader engaged and on the edge of their seat. However, he also notes that the sheer intensity of the story can be exhausting, making it a challenging but ultimately rewarding read.

Quick quotes

    Steven Poole is both thrilled and exhausted by Nick Harkaway's The Gone-Away World.

    A combat-filled portrayal of a post-apocalyptic world that is both thrilling and intense.

    The novel's action-packed narrative keeps the reader engaged and on the edge of their seat.

Appears in Lists