Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com/2012/06/fear-of-falling.html
Fear of Falling is a story of pioneers who are forced into that role. Sarah and Matt travel with their ten year old son John on a vacation to Ireland. Following a major worldwide disaster, they are forced to remain there. They learn to rely on themselves and each other, and they learn to survive without the technology and conveniences of modern day life.
The book does state that a terrorist attack as the cause. I wish it had not because the cause did not really matter. What mattered was how this family survived. The attack was a jarring note in the book, and brought the world into a story that was mostly about people being isolated from the world. Although it was the cause of this family's hardship, it did not feel like it belonged in the book.
There is a dichotomy to this book. Part of it is the positive experience of returning to a less-connected, closer-to-nature way of life. It is a commentary of the rush we all get into in our lives and the peace and simplicity that comes from slowing down. The other part is like a western novel. Good guys and bad guys. Shoot 'em up fights to the finish. It is the story of survival.
The book is a quick and easy read. I enjoyed the stark and sometimes startling contrast between the two aspects of the book because that is true to life - life comes with the good and the bad and there is no one easy way. What I liked best about the book was the development of Sarah as a strong character who adjusts to the changes in life and who does what is necessary to adapt and survive.
*** I received this book from the author for review through Goodreads. The book was a Kindle download. ***
When I first read the summary of this book, I just knew it was a book I had to read. It really makes you wonder what you'd do in Matt and Sarah's situation. Their peaceful family trip to Ireland, turns into a nightmare when a nuclear attack prevents all electronics and cars from working. They are forced to live a lifestyle they know nothing about and have to survive in a lawless and dangerous world.
The topic of this book is so intriguing. It shows you have to do things you normally wouldn't do, just to survive. The author did a great job in creating a realistic setting and storyline. You felt like you were right there with the family every step of the way. The book was great overall and I wish I had more time to read right now, because I didn't want to put it down and would've finished alot sooner. I definitely recommend this book!
http://www.hoteatsandcoolreads.com/2012/06/book-review-fear-of-falling-by-susan.html
