A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter Miller

GWC Community GWC Book Club
#1

For your consideration (although many of you probably have already read it). In my view the best if the cyclical history sci fi novels - although it is not circular history. Relevant to those issues relating to “over and over again” in BSG. (I am confident RDM is well familiar with the book.)

It is post apoctalypic and discusses issues involving church and state. Do not let that latter aspect deter you.

Miller wrote it (in 3 parts for a sci fi magazine) and it was published as a novel (his only one - although another of sorts was published after his death don’t bother with it) in 1960. It won the Hugo in 1961 for best sci if novel. Miller later committed suicide.

Best of all - it is extremely well written - a delight to read.

#2

Canticle transcends or epitomizes sci-fi. Can’t think of a group I’d rather read it with.

#3

My concern is that just about everybody in this group will already have read it. But, you know, with this crew (and the cycle issues in BSG) perhaps it would be worth another go.

#4

Even if I have to hang my head in shame - I haven’t read this. I read tons and tons of science fiction, but nope, not this one. I’ve heard a lot about it, though, but the descriptions just never really appealed to me. It was oftentimes compared to Slaughterhouse Five, which I found … confusing.

#5

If you go on the blurbs on any copy of it or some sort of a summary - even the lengthy one on Wikipedia (DO NOT READ IT) - you’d likely think - C’mon, are you kidding, a “world class” sci fi novel about a bunch of monks or friars or something in West Texas after a nuclear war? Right. I’ll read it in my next life.

Well, the plot is ingeneous. And it is just so well written.

You know, a lot of the great sci fi writers are great because of their plots and visions - not their writing style - in my view. Guys I love - Clarke, Asimov, etc. - can be on the turgid side with their prose. (As opposed to Bradbury - not true sci fi, I know - but boy, the guy’s prose keeps you going even if the story is mediocre.)

In any event, many hold a differing view (making it a book to read if for no other reason than to have an opinion about it), but Shadow nailed it, Canticle is a wonderful read and a fine book that just happens to be sci fi.

Yes, I do get kick backs from the late author’s heirs.

#6

And, oh yeah. It does not make me think of Slaughterhouse Five in the least. The only thing I can think of that they have in common is that both authors went through miserable experiences in WWII (Miller was at Monte Cassino and you well know where KV was) that profoundly affected their views about - well - virtually everything and factored into their story telling.

#7

Definitely not the same. Slaughter House is much too cynical. Canticle, to me, takes a tack that is closer to BSG. No real bad guys or good guys. A huge dose of realism.

#8

I’d be up for Canticle. I’ve only listened to the audio book, years ago, but I remember enjoying it.

#9

I have some credits at Audible and thought GWC might have some good recommendations. I wondered what Old Timer would bring to the table and here it is: “A Canticle for Leibowitz”, a most memorable early read (I must have been in high school when I first found it).

Sigh.

Must be fate.

I’ll see if they have it.