Alas, Babylon

by Pat Frank
Alas, Babylon cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
Technical:
  • ID: 1185
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2025-09-27
  • Published: 1976-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Alas, Babylon is a gripping tale of survival and resilience set in a post-apocalyptic world. When nuclear war devastates the United States, a small town in Florida is one of the few areas spared from immediate destruction. The story follows a group of people who must rely on their courage and ingenuity to survive in a world that has been forever changed. The novel explores themes of community, leadership, and the human spirit in the face of unimaginable destruction. /n/n Written in 1959, Alas, Babylon is a classic of the post-apocalyptic genre, offering a chillingly realistic portrayal of a world on the brink. The author, Pat Frank, was a former government official and journalist, bringing a unique perspective to the story. The novel's detailed depiction of survival strategies and the psychological impact of disaster makes it a compelling read for anyone interested in how society might respond to catastrophic events.

Reviews
Science Fiction Ruminations · 2024-08-04
intriguing 3.50

They enjoyed the book as a 1950s survivalist take on nuclear conflict but found some of the plot points problematic. The novel's portrayal of human resilience amidst catastrophe is compelling.

This reviewer appreciated Alas, Babylon as a classic example of 1950s survivalist fiction, set against the backdrop of nuclear war. They found the book engaging and thought-provoking, highlighting its ability to depict human resilience in the face of disaster. However, they also noted that some plot points could be problematic or overly simplistic. Overall, they felt the book's exploration of survival and community in the aftermath of a nuclear war was both timely and timeless.

Quick quotes

    I enjoyed Alas, Babylon as a 50s example of a survivalist take on nuclear conflict.

    Frank dangerously tangles himself in a series of problematic plot points.

    An extraordinary real picture of human beings numbed by catastrophe but still driven by…

Reactor Mag · 2022-05-25
excellent 4.50

The book has aged well and offers a hopeful perspective through the eyes of its lucky survivors. They found it to be a timeless exploration of resilience.

This reviewer felt that Alas, Babylon has stood the test of time remarkably well. They appreciated the hopeful viewpoints of the survivors, which provide a compelling contrast to the grim setting. The novel's exploration of resilience and community in the face of disaster was particularly noteworthy. They found the characters' optimism and determination to be both inspiring and thought-provoking, making the book a timeless piece of literature.

Quick quotes

    Alas, Babylon has held up exceedingly well over the years.

    While the story unfolds through the hopeful viewpoints of lucky survivors, it makes...

    A powerful and influential piece of fiction

Grub Street · 2019-12-07
good 4.00

The book is surprisingly optimistic, avoiding the tribalism seen in later apocalyptic fiction. They appreciated its focus on community and cooperation.

This reviewer was struck by the optimistic tone of Alas, Babylon, which stands out among apocalyptic fiction. They noted that the book avoids the every-man-for-himself mentality seen in later works, instead focusing on community and cooperation. This perspective made the novel feel refreshing and hopeful, even in its grim setting. They also appreciated the way the characters navigate the challenges of survival with a sense of unity and purpose.

Quick quotes

    And this is where Alas, Babylon is actually quite an optimistic book.

    It eschews the every-man-for-himself tribalism of later apocalyptic fiction.

    It showed an fairly optimistic picture of life after nuclear war- at least for the main characters.

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