The Death of Grass

The Death of Grass by John Christopher

When a virus hits China killing crops causing mass starvation and rebellions. Britain and other countries send out supplies but they are too high in demand and are quickly terminated. Britain prepares for the worse as it is inevitable that they are going to get it. A family of four find out from a friend and escape London to where their uncle lives in a valley in Yorkshire. They manage to escape London with two other friends just as they stop letting people out of the city. As they get further up the country they get news of bombs being dropped on major cities to kill off the population to a lower amount. The only crop that is not effected by this virus is potatoes but they are already in short supply. eventual mass rebellion break out all over Britain and the Royal family and the Prime minister have been flown out of England. Some turn to cannibalism whilst others turn to killing for food. I liked this book as it showed in depth what could happen in Britain if something went wrong with the food supply. It also shows human nature and how when things are right, we will go to odd lengths to make it right for ourselves, even if it means killing. I am giving this book 9/10.

MB

I had heard about this book when I read a review which mentioned it in the paper. The book is a modern classic and is in the style of Day of the triffids. It reminds us how much we rely on grass for the food chain and if you remove that you not only loose cereal crops but the livestock that rely on it for their own sustenance.
The story is not long however it doesn't have to be to relay the whole horror that is experienced by the people involved. I think this is an excellent read and suggest this to anyone as a reminder of what we are doing to our environment. It was forward thinking for its time.
It is interesting to read this when at the moment there seems to be a resurgance in interest in the post apocalytic state.  With books like 'The Road' coming out which we will be reviewing soon it is interesting to read and see where the styles have changed.  By comparison this book is quite cold in its description and attitude with some of the books, films and television series which have come out since.  This does not detract from the impact of the story however and it is well worth giving this book a go.

I give it a 9/10

JB


Overall 9/10