z for zachariah
“Z for Zachariah” written by Robert C O’Brien, is a science fiction novel that explores such issues as the struggle for freedom, dealing with the horrific conditions after a nuclear holocaust. Not only do they have to survive the nuclear explosion they have to work with each other in their fight for survival in the new and harsh environment. This author chooses his words carefully and projects the themes of freedom and survival through the characters thoughts and feelings, settings and events through their route on their road to survival. Not only do they suffer greatly from the consequences of war throughout the novel, the reader is made to feel Ann’s anguish as over time she realises her own survival is more important then trying to get along with Mr Loomis. The theme of survival screams out at us in every chapter of this novel. The reader feels it; breathing it into their lungs while digesting the words through their thoughts. From beginning to end the novel keeps the reader tuned to the basic human need, which is to sustain life through any means possible. Every chapter shows us how the characters coped with firstly surviving the holocaust, and then coming grips after the devastation, thinking they were the only two people left on the earth.