A review by fran_c
Last and First Men by Olaf Stapledon

challenging inspiring reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

 The strangest book I've read in 2021


This is a strange book indeed. As the preface of the Audible version mentions: "Maybe it's not a novel, but it's surely sci-fi."

Written as an account of mankind aimed at contemporary folks—or, better, Olaf's contemporary folks—it follows humanity for two billion years. Yes, you have read it correctly. Two billion.

There are almost no characters and no plot, and considering it has been written before World War II, the level of ingenuity is nothing short of remarkable. Martians, apocalyptic events, synthetic men; everything goes in this epic journey which starts from a place very much different from what we know happened between 1930 and today.

Read the rest of my 2021 top 10 on my website!

https://www.francsart.com/blog/top-10-books-of-2021