I think the book is the ultimate proof that “soft” science fiction is in no way inferior to “hard”. Different, yes, with different goals, but not inferior.
Nope. I knew it was post-apocalyptic but not the nature of the apocalypse. But whatever, sounds like it may not be accurate anyway.
Yeah, but if basic plot elements are now “spoilers,” then its impossible to have any coherent discussion about any work of art.
A: Well, King Lear is one of Shakespeare’s best-known traged–
B: Gah! Spoiler!
More than inaccurate it is irrelevant. The nature of the apocalypse is not what the book is about.
I don’t recall a clearly stated explanation. I’ve always thought it was intentionally left vague.
Somehow I had the impression that it was man-made, and that the protagonist was somehow part of it.
Do an SDMB search for “spoilers”. You won’t believe some of the stuff you’ll find.
And you still don’t know the nature of it. No spoiler.
BTW, Moby Dick is about a Great White Whale. Now you don’t have to read it, since it’s spoiled for you!!
Maybe, but how hard is it just to put “Question about The Road”?
There’s a general rule about using descriptive titles. It’s more enforced in some sub-forums than others, but it’s a good rule nonetheless.
I’m pretty strict about spoilers. But this title is not a spoiler in any conceivable way.
Same; agreed.
This is not meant to be snaky in the least but you should at least begin the book before deciding if you have been spoiled. The idea that The Road is post apocalyptic is on the back cover. This thread title is as innocent as it can be.
I just assumed there’d been a nuclear war, but as others have noted, the reason for the apocalypse is secondary at best (and maybe even irrelevant).
Perhaps I was biased, having read the book soon after we adopted our son… but to me, the book was less about the apocalypse than about the bond between a father and a child, and the lengths a man would go to for his son.
I am by no means a courageous man by nature, but having a son completely changed my attitude about countless things. I’d fight for him to a degree I’d NEVER have fought for myself.
I will agree to disagree and not belabor the point.
Yes. The concern is with themes and characters, not The Idea or (so much) plot.