Cormac Mccarthy describes a world we would rather not see or not know about. It is a dark, desolate world and there are not
enough words to describe a world after a
nuclear explosion. Gray snow keeps falling down. It is left to our imagination so that we can make up the events, the place and even the time. The author does not tell how this world came about and what caused it. The story shows us two beings, father and son. They only have each other, as the mother committed suicide, unable to face living in this world. They are travelling to the coast or trying to get there, looking for something, anywhere, maybe for life and warmth. The reason why is not mentioned.
A few years after the nuclear explosion everything is black and unrecognisable, most things still smoldering. There are only a few people, but they are afraid of those they meet. They are or could be murderers, looters or even eaters of flesh. They get to see things and sights that no one should ever have to see and have to protect themselves in any way they can. The father gets back to the most primitive of survival tools, refusing help to any other beings and living only for his son and himself. Keeping away from everything that might represent danger to them.
In these irregular encounters the characters of the father and son are shown. The son is a caring, unselfish child who wants to reach out and help others. The father only cares about himself and his son and is much more cautious and has become bitter.
However, the father and son are proof that love can keep you going and can make you do the right thing. There is little to hold on to. No shelter, no food, no clothes, death lurking everywhere. There are only your wits for survival.
This is a book to be read and to be kept in the back of our minds. It will come out when necessary. The story will stay with you long after you have finished it.