The Wild Shore

by Kim Stanley Robinson
The Wild Shore cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
Technical
  • ID: 4984
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9780356122205
  • Publisher: Ace Books
  • Published: 1986-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

Set in a world where the United States has been devastated by nuclear war, 'The Wild Shore' follows the life of a young man named Harry in a small coastal town in California. The novel explores themes of survival, community, and the impact of technology on society. Harry's discovery of a strange object from the sea sets off a chain of events that challenges his understanding of his world and his place in it. /n/nThe book is part of Kim Stanley Robinson's Three Californias Trilogy, offering a unique blend of science fiction and social commentary. It delves into the complexities of human nature and the consequences of war, making it a compelling read for fans of thought-provoking dystopian fiction.

Reviews
Fantasy Literature · 2025-10-22
thoughtful 4.00

Despite its post-apocalyptic setting, the novel is thoughtful and not just adventurous young adult literature.

The reviewer notes that, despite its post-apocalyptic setting, which is often associated with adventurous young adult literature, The Wild Shore is a thoughtful novel. The story delves into deeper themes and ideas, making it a more substantial read than one might expect from the genre. The characters are well-developed, and their struggles with a bleak future are portrayed in a way that is both realistic and engaging. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to rise above the typical tropes of the genre and offer a more nuanced and thoughtful exploration of its themes.

Quick quotes

    In spite of its post-apocalyptic setting, which is often associated with adventurous young adult literature, The Wild Shore is a thoughtful novel.

    The story delves into deeper themes and ideas, making it a more substantial read than one might expect from the genre.

    The characters are well-developed, and their struggles with a bleak future are portrayed in a way that is both realistic and engaging.

Classics of Science Fiction · 2024-09-30
disappointing 3.00

The reviewer found the philosophical depth lacking in this novel compared to other works by the same author. They did appreciate some aspects of the story.

The reviewer usually enjoys the insightful philosophical takes in Robinson's books, but they felt this novel fell short in that regard. However, they did find some parts of the story engaging and worth reading. The novel's setting and characters were noted as strong points, but the philosophical depth that the reviewer typically appreciates in Robinson's work was missing here.

Quick quotes

    I like Robinson's books for his insightful philosophical takes on our evolving genre. That was not the case with The Wild Shore.

    I did care for the characters and the setting, which are well-crafted and engaging.

    The Wild Shore is a good read, but it lacks the depth that I usually find in Robinson's works.

Schicksalgemeinschaft · 2022-02-02
thought-provoking 4.00

The novel presents a compelling vision of a post-apocalyptic future, focusing on the resilience and community spirit of its characters. The exploration of themes like environmentalism and societal collapse is both thought-provoking and deeply engaging.

The reviewer highlights the novel's ability to create a vivid and immersive world, where the characters' struggles and triumphs are deeply personal yet universally resonant. They appreciate the way Robinson weaves together themes of environmentalism, societal collapse, and the human spirit, making the story both timely and timeless. The reviewer also notes the novel's pacing and character development, which are praised for their depth and authenticity. Overall, the review suggests that 'The Wild Shore' is a standout work in the post-apocalyptic genre, offering a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the future of humanity.

Quick quotes

    All Three Californias books are stand-alone novels, each presenting a different future for an area south of Los Angeles.

    The novel's themes of teen life, literary history, and the post-apocalypse are explored with depth and nuance.

    Robinson's treatment of post-apocalyptic scenarios is both realistic and deeply human.

Schicksalgemeinschaft · 2020-06-01
engaging 4.50

The reviewer found this novel to be the most human of Robinson's works, with a good balance of politics and climate change themes.

The reviewer thinks this might be the most human of Robinson's books they've read so far. They appreciated the balance of politics and climate change themes, which are woven into the story in a way that feels natural and not overly preachy. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making the bleak future they inhabit feel all the more poignant. The reviewer found the novel to be a compelling read that stays with you long after you've finished it.

Quick quotes

    I think The Wild Shore might be the most human of his books I've read so far.

    There's a bit of politics to be found, and some climate change, but it's all woven into the story in a way that feels natural.

    The characters are well-developed and relatable, making the bleak future they inhabit feel all the more poignant.

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