Children of the Dust

by Louise Lawrence
Children of the Dust cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
Technical
  • ID: 4977
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9780099433422
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2002-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

After a devastating nuclear war, the remnants of humanity struggle to survive in a harsh, mutated world. The survivors must navigate the dangers of this new environment, where children are born with strange and unsettling mutations. The story explores the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit in the face of extreme adversity. As the group battles for survival, they uncover the mysteries behind the mutations and the true extent of the devastation that has befallen their world. /n/nThe novel delves into themes of hope, despair, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their loved ones. It is a gripping tale of survival and the human condition, set against the backdrop of a world forever changed by catastrophe.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-10-22
powerful 4.00

This book is a powerful read that covers a significant time span with a compelling story. The blend of realism and childish fantasy is seamlessly executed.

This book is a powerful read that covers a significant time span with a compelling story. The blend of realism and childish fantasy is seamlessly executed. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading, offering a unique perspective on a post-apocalyptic world. The characters are well-developed, and the narrative is both thought-provoking and engaging.

Quick quotes

    Children of the Dust is a powerful read and I ABSOLUTELY loved it.

    It's not a big book even though the story covers something like 55 years.

    There are two big themes running through the book.

James Davis Nicoll's Blog · James Davis Nicoll · 2021-01-18
compelling 4.25

This standalone young-adult novel explores the aftermath of a nuclear war with a blend of realism and fantasy. The book is a compelling read that raises important questions about society and human behavior.

This standalone young-adult novel explores the aftermath of a nuclear war with a blend of realism and fantasy. The book is a compelling read that raises important questions about society and human behavior. It's a thought-provoking narrative that will make you reflect on the consequences of war and the resilience of humanity. The characters are well-crafted, and the story is both engaging and poignant.

Quick quotes

    Louise Lawrence's 1985 Children of the Dust is a standalone young-adult nuclear war novel.

    It's nuclear war time and a full-scale nuclear attack on the UK is imminent.

    The book is a compelling read that raises important questions about society and human behavior.

Reading Matters Blog · 2011-12-05
thought-provoking 4.50

The book is thought-provoking and delves into interesting issues about society, politics, and human behavior. It's a dark and hopeful exploration of life after a great disaster.

The book is thought-provoking and delves into interesting issues about society, politics, and human behavior. It's a dark and hopeful exploration of life after a great disaster. The narrative is both informative and engaging, offering a unique perspective on the aftermath of a nuclear holocaust. The characters are well-developed, and the story is both poignant and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    The book is thought-provoking and throws up some interesting issues about society, politics and the ways in which human behaviour and biology.

    Though Children of the Dust is quite dark and hope seems lost, there are moments of light and resilience.

    It's a powerful post-nuclear holocaust novel described by the author as, 'my cry against the monstrous weapons men have made'.

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