Quiet at the end of the world - review
This is a very clever and deeply thoughtful book, it is tinged with sadness about the future, one seen here as an empty and decaying place, yet, one filled by two people who care and dare immensely.
Lowrie and Shen are the actual last two humans ever, we are taken about 100 years into the future and after an unknown virus ends fertility, mirrored by current genetic woes, we find a society existing in isolation, there is little or no contact with anyone other than the few who live in a funky commune in London.
But it's all about research and hope and the quest to somehow find a way to reboot the genes and let life grow again, we've saved everything we could, we are eco, but, we are alone.
Lauren has already proven to be a superb plotter and storyteller, she brings a freshness into quite sterile situations, she doesn't overpopulate her books, she strips them to a minimalism of existence.
Mudlarking and a bit of culture are thrown in, we see small glimpses of the past, one hinted at being both disposed of and yet wanted.
The constant factor of the book is the human spirit, Lowrie and Shen are sensational and resourceful, they take things as they come and always work together, they have their moments and they deep down realise one thing, they have each other for ever.
There are clever 'bots' I adored Mitch, his lack of language did nothing to stop me hearing his voice, he was a joy to have along for the ride, deeply caring and very daring.
We get politics and science and philosophy in just enough detail to allow a thought or two, but never too much to off put the eager reader who just wants a story with identifiable characters.
As ever, I only touch on plot as I hate spoilers, the book is due out for WBD, Lauren is in Preston on Tuesday 19th Feb 2pm at the Harris Museum/Library as part of the YA festival organised by UCLAN, they have lots going on, follow them on twitter and spread the word.
Another fab writer, Frank Cottrell Boyce also used a hidden place for storing things worth finding, Lauren has some breathtaking scenes once we get to hers. If you want a thoughtful and thought provoking read about decisions, the human condition and that of AI and just how real it can be... read this superb book
Lowrie and Shen are the actual last two humans ever, we are taken about 100 years into the future and after an unknown virus ends fertility, mirrored by current genetic woes, we find a society existing in isolation, there is little or no contact with anyone other than the few who live in a funky commune in London.
But it's all about research and hope and the quest to somehow find a way to reboot the genes and let life grow again, we've saved everything we could, we are eco, but, we are alone.
Lauren has already proven to be a superb plotter and storyteller, she brings a freshness into quite sterile situations, she doesn't overpopulate her books, she strips them to a minimalism of existence.
Mudlarking and a bit of culture are thrown in, we see small glimpses of the past, one hinted at being both disposed of and yet wanted.
The constant factor of the book is the human spirit, Lowrie and Shen are sensational and resourceful, they take things as they come and always work together, they have their moments and they deep down realise one thing, they have each other for ever.
There are clever 'bots' I adored Mitch, his lack of language did nothing to stop me hearing his voice, he was a joy to have along for the ride, deeply caring and very daring.
We get politics and science and philosophy in just enough detail to allow a thought or two, but never too much to off put the eager reader who just wants a story with identifiable characters.
As ever, I only touch on plot as I hate spoilers, the book is due out for WBD, Lauren is in Preston on Tuesday 19th Feb 2pm at the Harris Museum/Library as part of the YA festival organised by UCLAN, they have lots going on, follow them on twitter and spread the word.
Another fab writer, Frank Cottrell Boyce also used a hidden place for storing things worth finding, Lauren has some breathtaking scenes once we get to hers. If you want a thoughtful and thought provoking read about decisions, the human condition and that of AI and just how real it can be... read this superb book