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The Chrysalids by: John Wyndham

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Rating: - A real classic

I've only recently got into John Wyndham after seeing Day of the Triffids but now realise what I've been missing.
This is well written and although the writing seems a little dated nowadays that doesn't do anything to detract from the story.
A good story and very thought provoking.
I shall certainly be reading more of his books.

Rating: - Absorbing

Wow. I breezed through this book. I just couldn't put it down!

The book takes place in a post-apocalyptic dystopia. Something, we don't know what, but it's referred to as the Tribulation, has obliterated the world as we know it. In its place is a world where everyone has to be perfect - the 'true form'. Any kind of move away from the norm - any kind of abnormality, is considered a deviation and that person is outlawed, banned forever to live in The Fringes, a place on the outskirts of their 'world'. David, the protagonist, discovers he has a gift - a kind of telepathy where he can communicate with others through 'thought-shapes'. This gift, however, would be seen as a deviation. The book follows his stuggle to keep the gift from those around him, as he would surely be banished if they found out.

The plot is well written, fast paced and thought-provoking. The thing that scares me about a good dystopic novel is that they are not so far fetched as to be completely unbelievable. Society today tries to tell us what is normal. You can't turn on the TV or look in a magazine without seeing celebrities and those in the media trying to conform to how everyone seems to think we should look. People with deformities, of all types, are still not socially accepted in the way they should be. This novel just exaggerates this.

The characters are well developed, despite not being described in much detail. The nature of the book allows us to get into the minds of the characters to some extent and this helps with the development.

I really enjoyed this and will definitely be picking up other works by Wyndham.

Rating: - Physic wonders

Set in the distant future after a nuclear war, society put back 300 years, struggling, god fearing farmers trying to grow food ect, boy is different "hears" voices, good people coming for him from a long way away...

This is a fantastic book, I particularly enjoyed the "cobwebs" covering the bad guys towards the end, excellent concept!

Rating: - Ever wondered what religion would be like after a world wide catastrophe?

10/10 yet again, John Wyndham has managed to pull it off again. He is a legend with his story tellings and pure genious with the characters and scenes he creates. This one starts off a little slow but once you start to understand what's going on and why it opens your eyes to a whole new idea of the world. Look at the people around you, how many of these people can this book relate to? Not many? Wait a few years and look again, perhaps some things will have changed ;)

Rating: - Favourite book of ALL TIME

The title says it all really.
I read this book when in Secondary School and loved it immediately.
I have bought and re-bought this book, as pages have fallen out, books have fallen to pieces, it has been borrowed and not returned.
I could go through the actual story but, that's always covered by many others.
For me, the important thing is how this book has stayed with me throughout years.
I have only been able to get hold of paperback editions of the book which is a shame, I'd love a hardcover edition but, can't afford one!
Maybe as an investment in the future.
It's a short book as all of John Wyndham's are BUT, it feels like you have read a weighty tome by the time you have finished.
I can't praise this book enough. I do love all of Wyndham's books, they appeal to me, their fantasy etc but, this one stands head and shoulders above the others.

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