The Bright Companion

by Edward Llewellyn

From the back cover:

When the by-product of the greatest contraceptive ever discovered turned out to be sterility for the next generation, the result was predictable. Within a century the population of the 'civilized' world dropped to a tiny remnant of narrow-minded survivors. Their few communities were ruled by hard-shelled fanatics whose prime need was women who could still bear children.

Anne had been such a trade-off "wife"and when she slew her captor and fled, there was only one who would help her. This was the young man whose hidden stock of medicines made him a necessity to the isolated homesteads.

The surprising and exciting adventures of Anne and David as they fled their barbarous pursuers and headed for a legendary sanctuary far across the ocean is a realistic and imaginative projection of a world that yet may be.

Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopia

176 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 2, 1980

Reviews

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me, there was not enough action, and the drama felt flat. Because of this, it is a one-and-done book for me.

1⭐️ DNF or Forced Myself to Finish
2⭐️ It's Just a Book
3⭐️ A Good Book
4⭐️ On My Reread List
5⭐️ God Mode

[Francisco d'Anconia · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of those captivating author where I’ve set out to read every book they’ve written. Highly recommend.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an improbable, post-apocalyptic story that really was an enjoyable read. The decline of civilization was caused by birth control medication that caused sterility in the next generation. The first part of the book reads like an old time western, until the protagonists decide to sail to the Mediterranean. Then it becomes like an old time swashbuckling adventure, complete with pirates. Such a quirky tale. I didn't find the two protagonists likable in the least, and their continual arguing and verbal jabs at each other made the story a little disagreeable, but the adventure was unique and pretty well-written. I am still shaking my head at the strangeness of the plot, but I liked it.

[Wallum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this little novel, and regret that it was so short. A great post-apocalyptic story with an upbeat energetic flavour. I am now trying to find the other 2 books in this series.