The Quiet Earth: Text Classics

CUSTOMER REVIEW



When I began searching for a copy of this book, I couldn't even find a review anywhere online. If you can find it for a 'reasonable' price and you liked the movie that was loosely based on this story, buy it!

This story falls closely in line with other similar books like Empty World by John Christopher and the first section of Earth Abides, before the main character of that story meets all the others. If you liked those books, you're sure to enjoy The Quiet Earth.

I've been a long-time fan of the movie based on this book, but now realize that the movie strayed well away from the main story and outline of the book. After reading the book, I really think of them as two different stories, based on a similar theme and based in the same locations. The book does a much better job of portraying the feelings of isolation and fear experienced by the main character and explores a much different relationship between the other characters introduced later. In fact, one of the biggest differences between the book and movie is how the secondary characters are introduced and handled. It works much better in the book.

Whereas the ending in the movie leaves you scratching your head, the ending in the book works much better, as well.

Highly recommended!