A review by eli_abroad
A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr.

challenging dark reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

The novel comprises 3 separate stories set in a post-nuclear-apocalyptic world that clearly reflect the greatest fears of the time in which they were written. The stories are set hundreds of years apart, but all involve an order of monks dedicated to secretly preserving scientific knowledge in a world where knowledge and education are seen as the root cause of humanity's destruction. The positives include convincing world building, witty humor, the positioning of science as a religion, ideas about how remnants of the past are interpreted, and reflections on the self-destructive nature of humanity. However, the stories are told in such a meandering ramble that I struggled to appreciate those merits and was unable to maintain any sort of engagement. As a precursor for discussion, the novel is worthwhile, but is definitely no pleasure to read.