A father and his young son walk south along a road through a burned America, years after an unnamed catastrophe has covered the sky in ash and killed nearly every living thing. They carry a pistol with two bullets, push a shopping cart of belongings and look for food while hiding from gangs of cannibals. The man's wife is gone, and his only purpose is to keep the boy alive. McCarthy's spare, dialogue-driven prose focuses on their small rituals, which include the idea that they are "carrying the fire."
A short novel for readers who can handle bleak settings and who value stories about parental love. It does not offer explanations, but it makes the bond between the two characters feel necessary.
Deep, contemplative, open-ended and thought-provoking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Wisdom Collector. Which reader are you?
- ISBN
- 9788439720775
- Language
- ES
