Z for Zachariah

by Robert C. O’Brien
Z for Zachariah cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Paperback • £8.99
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  • ID: 4985
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780020446507
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 1987-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In a world devastated by nuclear war, a young girl named Ann Burden finds herself the sole survivor in a small valley. Her isolation is shattered when a stranger, Mr. Loomis, arrives, claiming to be a scientist with knowledge of the catastrophe. As Ann struggles to navigate this new reality, she must also confront the dangers posed by the man she should be able to trust. The story delves into themes of survival, isolation, and the psychological dynamics between two people forced together in a desperate bid for survival. Ann's journey explores the moral dilemmas and the fragile balance of power in a world stripped of societal norms.

Reviews
Lesser Joke · 2021-07-05
enjoyable 4.00

The book is enjoyable and sets a mood that doesn't require extensive world-building. It focuses on the protagonist's journey and the themes of survival and hope.

The reviewer enjoyed the book for its simplicity and focus on the protagonist's journey. The mood is effectively set without the need for extensive world-building, allowing the story to center around the character's experiences. The themes of survival and hope are particularly highlighted, making the narrative engaging and thought-provoking. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to convey deep emotions and ideas without getting bogged down in unnecessary details. The overall experience is described as enjoyable and impactful, with a strong emphasis on the character's development and the emotional resonance of the story.

Quick quotes

    Overall, I've really enjoyed the piece.

    It sets a mood unburdened by need for worldbuilding detail; all we have to understand is that Ann is alone.

    It's a story about survival, hope, and the strength of the human spirit.

Mike Finns Fiction · 2018-11-03
thoughtful 4.75

The story is truthful and thought-provoking, with a surprising resolution that challenges the reader's instincts. It is a novel that stays with you long after reading.

The reviewer finds the book to be a truthful and deeply engaging story. The resolution is particularly noteworthy, as it surprises the reader and prompts reflection on their own instincts. The narrative is praised for its ability to stay with the reader, indicating a lasting impact. The reviewer highly recommends the book, suggesting it is a novel that invites deep thought and emotional engagement. The story's ability to provoke introspection and its memorable conclusion are highlighted as key strengths.

Quick quotes

    At its heart, this is a very truthful story.

    Its resolution surprised me and made me think again about my own instincts.

    It is a novel you could read again and again.

The Guardian · 2016-06-20
inspiring 4.50

The book is a powerful exploration of gender and power, leaving a lasting impact on the reader. It instills a belief in the strength of girls and women.

This review highlights the profound influence the book had on the reader, particularly in terms of gender dynamics and power structures. The story is noted for its complexity and the way it portrays the resilience of young girls and women in a post-apocalyptic world. The reviewer emphasizes how the book transcends its initial context of nuclear war to deliver a timeless message about strength and hope. The narrative is praised for its depth and the emotional resonance it creates, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    This book gave me far more than relief from fear of nuclear war. It gave me a life-long belief in the strength of girls and women.

    It gave me a life-long belief in the strength of girls and women.

    This book gave me far more than relief from fear of nuclear war.

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