After the Blow-Up
Last Updated August 6, 2024.
Although "Star Man's Son: 2250 A. D." is not science fiction in the strict sense (no space suits or other alluring gadgets) it ought to interest any young reader who has cast a speculative eye upon the future. As a picture of America approximately two centuries after an atomic war it is grim and thought-provoking even if on second thought it isn't wholly convincing. It's a little hard to believe that descendants of a picked group of scientists could have been reduced to quite such a primitive life as is described.
Granting this doubtful premise, however, this is a robust story with a serious theme…. Fors' adventures with nightmarish beasts, his encounters with other wandering tribes, his friendship with a dark young hunter, all stress the theme that men cannot afford to be suspicious of each others' differences if they wish to survive.
Ellen Lewis Buell, "After the Blow-Up," in The New York Times Book Review (© 1952 by The New York Times Company; reprinted by permission), August 31, 1952, p. 12.
See eNotes Ad-Free
Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts.
Already a member? Log in here.