On the Beach

The end of the world… how would you deal with it. That is what the people of south Australia is faced with in this gripping novel about the end of humanity.

While very depressing, this book is also uplifting in the spirit of togetherness that these people exhibit. Mass death does bring on mass insanity and denial though. I found interesting what things kept people going in their daily lives. Moira grew as a character from a self absorbed near alcoholic to the strongest character in the book. Dwight was strong in his convictions and as a man. The worse flaw that I found was the suicide method used by people. Death by cyanide is not as sweet and squeaky clean as Mr. Shute makes it out to be.

Overall I thought this was a great book worth any accolades bestowed upon it.