Scan barcode
A review by irreverentreader
The Scarlet Plague by Jack London
3.0
Jack London is difficult to review because there isn't much to pinpoint in both the positive and negative. His stories just are. I'm not better or worse for having read them, and they are often short enough that my indifference doesn't feel like wasted time.
If you want an apocalyptic story that is heavy in detail and character, then this isn't the story for you, and in that way it was disappointing to me. This story glosses over any fine details, as the telling is done in one long narration by the main character, recounting how he got to where he is now. In this way, it feels unfulfilling. So too are the minor characters surrounding him; they are simple and undeveloped.
However, it is quite fascinating that someone imagined this back in 1912 given the Influenza Pandemic of 1918 hadn't occurred yet. It's also fascinating to see how someone then imagined the world in 2013 and in 2073, and for those insights alone, I think it is worth reading.
Not sure if I'll try any other Jack London in the future--perhaps I'll try one of his more known works to better form my opinion of him.
If you want an apocalyptic story that is heavy in detail and character, then this isn't the story for you, and in that way it was disappointing to me. This story glosses over any fine details, as the telling is done in one long narration by the main character, recounting how he got to where he is now. In this way, it feels unfulfilling. So too are the minor characters surrounding him; they are simple and undeveloped.
However, it is quite fascinating that someone imagined this back in 1912 given the Influenza Pandemic of 1918 hadn't occurred yet. It's also fascinating to see how someone then imagined the world in 2013 and in 2073, and for those insights alone, I think it is worth reading.
Not sure if I'll try any other Jack London in the future--perhaps I'll try one of his more known works to better form my opinion of him.