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10/31/2016
Cautionary tale of the apocalypse as told through the eyes of monks dedicated to the preservation of scientific texts otherwise lost to mankind as it struggles to move thru successive dark ages.
Starts slowly, but gradually builds interest. The 1st 2 parts seem to only serve to set the stage, painting a dismal picture of how far society has fallen after the nuclear holocaust. Francis (the novice monk) who finds the buried cache of what is later revered as "the Memorabilia" of Liebowitz, is very well drawn out by Miller, but the story runs itself down and I lost a great deal of interest as the book progressed until Part 3. I had to force myself to continue. But I am very glad for it.
Part 3 is excellent, as there are varying philosophical and religious points explored by Miller: Man's penchant for violence and not only if it can survive, but should it?; the concept of a soul; euthanasia; and the double-edged sword of technology. The character of the Abbot and his struggles with these moral questions are very engaging. The mutant old woman Mrs. Grayles with her 2nd head -- "Rachael" -- is one of those things so strange and off-putting that it has its own type of warped fascination and Miller executes this brilliantly at the end.
The book is clearly ahead of its time both in the post-apocalyptic style and skill at juggling religion and science fiction. Can easily see how and why it is on so many award-winning lists -- required reading for any fans of sci-fi.