A review by mmarques
The Last Man by Mary Shelley

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

2.75

I was really looking forward to this early science fiction work about a plague that wipes out most of mankind. However, the first third of the book are focused on the background of the characters and on political changes. Although the book starts in 2073, Mary Shelly envisioned a world largely unchanged from her world. Most transport is still on horseback or horse-drawn carriage, and people still fight wars with swords. 

The last half of the book is the most interesting, with all the diverse reactions to the plague. 
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