The Long Tomorrow

by Leigh Brackett
The Long Tomorrow cover
Good Books rating 3.92
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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  • ID: 4983
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780575131736
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2014-02-13
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Two generations after a devastating nuclear war, the United States is governed by strict laws that prohibit the existence of any community larger than a small village. Len Coulter, a young man living in this fragmented society, hears whispers of a hidden desert enclave where scientists are working on forbidden technology. His curiosity piqued, Len embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind these rumors, setting in motion a chain of events that could challenge the very foundations of his world. The Long Tomorrow explores themes of societal control, the power of knowledge, and the human desire for connection in a world that has been torn apart by war. The novel delves into the psychological and emotional struggles of its characters as they navigate a landscape shaped by fear and uncertainty. With its richly imagined setting and thought-provoking narrative, The Long Tomorrow offers a compelling glimpse into a future that is both hauntingly familiar and disturbingly alien.

Reviews
Reactor Mag · 2021-09-29
compelling 4.25

The book stands out for its darker tone and gritty realism, making it a unique addition to Brackett's body of work. The exploration of post-apocalyptic society is both compelling and thought-provoking.

Reactor Mag highlights The Long Tomorrow as a unique and compelling read within Leigh Brackett's repertoire. They appreciate the novel's darker tone and gritty realism, which sets it apart from her other works. The reviewer finds the exploration of post-apocalyptic society and the tension between tradition and progress to be particularly engaging. They also note the book's strengths in character development and world-building, making it a memorable and thought-provoking read. However, they acknowledge that some aspects of the story may feel dated or irritating to modern readers.

Quick quotes

    The Long Tomorrow is quite unlike most of Brackett's other science fiction or fantasy work, particularly because of a darker tone and gritty realism.

    The novel raises big questions about human nature and the future.

    The protagonist's journey is both compelling and thought-provoking.

Science Fiction Ruminations · 2020-07-04
thought-provoking 4.00

The novel is a poignant exploration of a society struggling to rebuild after destruction, with a focus on the tension between tradition and progress. The protagonist's journey is both compelling and thought-provoking, making the book a memorable read.

Science Fiction Ruminations dives into a world where a teenage boy navigates a religiously and socially oppressive society. The book's strength lies in its ability to raise big questions about human nature and the future. The reviewer appreciates the nuanced portrayal of a post-apocalyptic world and the protagonist's journey towards self-discovery. They highlight the novel's darker tone and gritty realism, which sets it apart from other works by the same author. The exploration of themes such as faith, technology, and societal norms makes this book a standout in the science fiction genre.

Quick quotes

    The Long Tomorrow is quite unlike most of Brackett's other science fiction or fantasy work, particularly because of a darker tone and gritty realism.

    The novel raises big questions about human nature and the future.

    The protagonist's journey is both compelling and thought-provoking.

The Middle Shelf · 2018-03-20
mixed 3.50

The novel is a fascinating read that, despite its age, remains relevant and engaging. However, some aspects of the story may irritate modern readers.

The Middle Shelf offers a mixed but generally positive review of The Long Tomorrow. They find the novel interesting and thought-provoking, appreciating its exploration of post-apocalyptic society and the tension between tradition and progress. However, they note that some elements of the story may feel dated or irritating to modern readers. The reviewer acknowledges the book's strengths in character development and world-building, but also points out its flaws, making it a nuanced and balanced review.

Quick quotes

    This novel proved to be interesting to read some 70 years later.

    Sometimes, irritating.

    The Long Tomorrow is a fascinating read that, despite its age, remains relevant and engaging.

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