Riddley Walker by Russell Hoban (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.

Set in a world devastated by a nuclear apocalypse known as the 'Flame Deluge', the novel follows the monks of the Albertian Order of Leibowitz as they dedicate their lives to preserving scientific knowledge. The book is divided into three parts, each set in a different time period, spanning over 2,000 years. It delves into themes of Christian theology, the tension between religion and science, and the cyclical nature of human civilizations. Miller's work is a stark warning about the consequences of military build-up and the importance of the marriage between science and faith[1][4][5].