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The Fourth Mode
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 14, 2014
A story of a nuclear apocalypse -- written carefully, poetically and vividly. While it is in third person, the story is introspective, revealing insight into its characters' (human and animal) lives.
During one of the coldest winter nights, residents of a small English town, Martinminster, learn that nuclear weapons are about to be deployed. They learn this almost accidentally, by seeing convoy trucks drive through their town, rather than hearing officially through their governments or news channels. First filled with disbelief, each resident has just a brief time to prepare and reflect on the imminent end that has been forced onto them by the political atmosphere they had never really paid attention to.
The story is about people and their lives -- not about politics, the Cold War, or the right way to run a country. Instead, it is as if the impending cataclysm should freeze the moment, leaving characters plenty of time to make sense of their circumstances, and repair anything broken, make amends, and otherwise right any wrongs. But time doesn't stop, and instead, you get a look into how ordinary people may react to extraordinary circumstances.
Reads as if it is a poem, one that is personable, yet indirect; leaving a lingering feeling of vague sadness.
During one of the coldest winter nights, residents of a small English town, Martinminster, learn that nuclear weapons are about to be deployed. They learn this almost accidentally, by seeing convoy trucks drive through their town, rather than hearing officially through their governments or news channels. First filled with disbelief, each resident has just a brief time to prepare and reflect on the imminent end that has been forced onto them by the political atmosphere they had never really paid attention to.
The story is about people and their lives -- not about politics, the Cold War, or the right way to run a country. Instead, it is as if the impending cataclysm should freeze the moment, leaving characters plenty of time to make sense of their circumstances, and repair anything broken, make amends, and otherwise right any wrongs. But time doesn't stop, and instead, you get a look into how ordinary people may react to extraordinary circumstances.
Reads as if it is a poem, one that is personable, yet indirect; leaving a lingering feeling of vague sadness.
March 2, 2017
Interesting subject matter but found the style of the prose annoying and pretentious. Felt no connection with any of the characters. Will return this one to the charity shop.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews