The Death of Grass

by John Christopher
The Death of Grass cover
Good Books rating 2.95
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 4992
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780141190174
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2009-04-02
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

When a deadly virus begins to decimate grass and crops across Asia, John Custance initially dismisses the threat, believing Europe is safe. However, the truth is far more sinister as governments have been lying to their people. As the virus reaches Britain, society rapidly descends into chaos. John and his family embark on a perilous journey to reach his brother's hidden farm, testing their humanity and survival instincts to the limit. This gripping tale explores the fragility of civilization and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones in the face of an apocalyptic crisis. The Death of Grass is a chilling exploration of human nature under extreme pressure, blending elements of suspense and survival with a stark look at the breakdown of social order.

Reviews
Fantasy Book Review · 2025-10-22
negative 1.36

The book is criticized for its misogynistic, racist, and classist themes, as well as its poor writing. The reviewer questions its revival as a modern classic.

This reviewer is quite critical of 'The Death of Grass', pointing out several problematic themes and poor writing. They argue that the book's revival as a modern classic is unwarranted. The negative aspects overshadow any potential strengths, making it a less enjoyable read. The reviewer's disappointment is clear, and they suggest that the book should have remained out of print.

Quick quotes

    This book is misogynistic, racist, classicist and very badly written.

    Why has this been revived as a modern classic by Penguin?

    Surely it should have been left to gather dust on some forgotten shelf.

Thornfield Hall · 2020-10-30
positive 4.00

The novel is terrifying and offers no comfort, focusing on a virus that devastates all grasses. It is a harrowing read that leaves a lasting impression.

This reviewer describes 'The Death of Grass' as a terrifying novel that offers no comfort or coziness. The focus on a virus that wipes out all grasses creates a harrowing and unsettling atmosphere. The reviewer finds the book to be a powerful and disturbing exploration of a post-apocalyptic world, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. They appreciate the novel's ability to evoke a sense of dread and despair, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    John Christopher's The Death of Grass is a terrifying novel.

    There is no coziness or comfort.

    It focuses on a virus that kills all grasses, creating a harrowing and unsettling atmosphere.

The Asylum · 2009-04-02
positive 3.50

The story is gripping and can be seen as a precursor to Cormac McCarthy's 'The Road', though less refined. It effectively portrays a bleak and terrifying scenario.

The reviewer finds 'The Death of Grass' to be a gripping story that resonates with the themes of Cormac McCarthy's 'The Road'. They appreciate the novel's ability to create a sense of dread and terror, even if it is not as polished as more modern works. The reviewer acknowledges the book's strengths in portraying a bleak and unsettling world, making it a compelling read despite its flaws.

Quick quotes

    Nonetheless The Death of Grass is a gripping story.

    It might be considered a sort of prequel to Cormac McCarthy's The Road – less evolved in its prose and character development but equally bleak and terrifying.

    The novel's strength lies in its unflinching portrayal of a world on the brink of collapse.

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