Figures Crossing the Field Towards the Group by Rebecca Gransden (Book Review)

Russell Hoban's 'Ridley Walker' is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a future England, approximately 2000 years after a nuclear war. The novel is known for its unique and inventive language, which reflects the broken and fragmented nature of the post-apocalyptic world. The story follows young Ridley Walker as he navigates a world where technology and knowledge have been lost, and the remnants of the past are slowly being forgotten. The novel explores themes of survival, memory, and the power of language to shape our understanding of the world. It is considered a masterpiece of post-apocalyptic fiction and a testament to Hoban's skill as a writer.

Anna Kavan's "Ice" is a challenging and surreal novella that plunges the reader into the fragmented psyche of a nameless male narrator. The narrative unfolds in a desolate, frozen landscape, mirroring the narrator's mental state. The story follows his obsessive pursuit of an elusive woman, against the backdrop of a world seemingly ravaged by war and ice. Kavan masterfully employs symbolism and imagery to depict the narrator's descent into madness, leaving the reader to navigate a disorienting and emotionally charged experience. The novella's experimental structure and ambiguous nature make it a unique and thought-provoking work.