Title: Z for Zachariah
Author: Robert C. O’Brien
First published January 1, 1974
249 pages, Hardcover
Rating: 3.67
Overview
ISBN 0435122118 – Ann Burden has survived a nuclear war that has taken everyone she’s ever known. She’s been alone in a remote valley for over a year, without any evidence of other survivors.
But just when she thought she was the last person on Earth, a distant campfire catches her attention. There’s someone else out there, making their way towards her.
As the stranger comes closer, Ann must decide if she can trust him. Who is he?
What does he want? Excitement and fear build inside her as she realizes that there may be worse things than being the last person on Earth.
About the Author
Robert Leslie Conly, who wrote under the pen name Robert C. O’Brien, was a talented American author and journalist.
He was known for his work with National Geographic Magazine. Interestingly, his daughter, Jane Leslie Conly, also became a successful author in her own right.
If you’re interested in learning more about Robert C. O’Brien, I recommend checking out his Wikipedia page.
Editoral Review
In Robert C. O’Brien’s Z for Zachariah, first published in 1974, readers are transported to a post-apocalyptic world where a young girl survives a nuclear attack and finds herself alone in the world.
O’Brien, also known for his award-winning children’s book Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, delivers a dramatic and introspective tale ripe with themes of survival, morality, and human nature.
Ann Burden, the book’s protagonist, lives on her family’s farm in a secluded valley that is miraculously spared from the devastating nuclear blast. While she is relieved to be alive, her situation is far from easy.
She must fend for herself and face her fears when a stranger comes to the valley. John Loomis, a scientist who had been working at a nearby research facility, happens upon Ann’s homestead and brings hazard and hope in equal measure.
The novel’s small cast of characters, including the supporting roles played by Ann’s dairy cow and the valley’s dog population, develop richly over the course of the book. Through their relationships, the reader witnesses the enduring human desire for connection and companionship, even in the bleakest of scenarios.
O’Brien’s skillful writing brings the post-apocalyptic setting and its implications to life, asking readers to consider the long-term implications of nuclear warfare. As a Cold War era work, Z for Zachariah speaks to the prevailing fear and uncertainty of the time, but its continued relevance today is a testament to its enduring qualities.
This is not a novel filled with explosions and violence; rather, it is a study of human nature in the face of crisis. The pacing is slow, but the book’s quiet introspection is evocative, and the tone is contemplative, emphasizing the gravity of Ann’s situation.
While some may find the lack of action and traditional plot development to be tedious, the book’s subtle nuance rewards attentive readers. Z for Zachariah is not without its limitations, however.
The book’s ending is abrupt, leaving many unanswered questions and sparking debate among readers. Additionally, while O’Brien presents a thoughtful meditation on human nature and the choice of survival, some readers may find Ann’s character to be too passive and not proactive enough in shaping her own fate.
Despite these shortcomings, Z for Zachariah is a unique and thought-provoking work that deserves to be read. Its mature themes and perspective make it a fitting read for young adults and adults alike.
Those who enjoy post-apocalyptic literature or thought-provoking character studies will find much to appreciate here. In conclusion, Z for Zachariah by Robert C.
O’Brien is a haunting and evocative work that remains relevant today. Despite some limitations, its strong characterization, subtle nuance, and mature themes make it a recommended read for fans of the genre.
I give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.