The Long Tomorrow by Leigh Brackett

Synopsis: One of the original novels of post-nuclear holocaust America, The Long Tomorrow is considered by many to be one of the finest science fiction novels ever written on the subject. The story has inspired generations of new writers and is still as mesmerizing today as when it was originally written. ** Len and Esau are young cousins living decades after a nuclear war has destroyed civilization as we know. The rulers of the post-war community have forbidden the existence of large towns and consider technology evil. ** However Len and Esau long for more than their simple agrarian existence. Rumors of mythical Bartorstown, perhaps the last city in existence, encourage the boys to embark on a journey of discovery and adventure that will call into question not only firmly held beliefs, but the boys’ own personal convictions.

Published: 1955 | ISBN: 978-1612420134

Mini-bio: Leigh Douglass Brackett was an American writer, particularly of science fiction, and has been referred to as the Queen of Space Opera. Wikipedia

Brackett’s name will forever be attached to pulp fiction in the 40s and 50s, a medium in which she was very successful.  In 1955, however, she buckled down to examine one of humanity’s biggest quandaries: If indeed social movements occur in cycles that over time have a net result of zero, what is the value of scientific pursuit? If humanity will inevitably revert to primitivism, of what use is maneuvering toward that fuzzy idea of ‘civilization’?  Walter M. Miller’s A Canticle for Leibowitz also wrestled with this subject matter, but with its subjective take on religion was unable to achieve full potential.  Bypassing Christianity and focusing on humanity, The Long Tomorrow achieves its potential; Brackett answers the questions above without cheating, all in a style that John Steinbeck or Pearl S. Buck would have nodded once or twice in approval of. – From 10 Great Books on Science Fiction 3

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Paperback Edition: The Long Tomorrow
Audible Edition: The Long Tomorrow