Andre Norton

Start Free Trial

After the Blow-Up

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

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.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Previous

Alice M. Jordan

Next

H. H. Holmes