Kevin discovers why sheep are useful in war in Nick Harkaway’s post-apocalyptic work…
The Harkaway World, as Ive dubbed it, is claiming to be The Literary Debut of 2008.
At their best, visions of near-apocalyptic Earths are disturbingly real.
At their worst they are cliche, but theyre always the test of an author.
However, there are irritants in the midst.
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Christ, since when did we have a cadre?
Im not even sure what one is.
In short, I dont believe such a well-informed narrator doesnt know what a cadre is.
Yet such disbelief in our guide through this world is thankfully rare.
He also does so in excited brackets(oh yes, like this!).
What of influences then?
Im already hearing comparisons with Heller and Adams, but I dont feel either completely justifiable.
For what Harkaway is doing here smacks of the new you get when a talent announces itself.
Youll notice I could go on aboutThe Gone Away World, and itsbecause its that sort of book.
More than anything, I wanted this book to be fun, says Harkaway on the books website.
Well Id like to tell him, hes done that, and a fair bit more.
Rating:
4 out of 5
