Alas, Babylon

By: Pat Frank

Narrated by: Will Patton

Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

This true modern masterpiece is built around the two fateful words that make up the title and herald the end - “Alas, Babylon.” When a nuclear holocaust ravages the United States, a thousand years of civilization are stripped away overnight, and tens of millions of people are killed instantly.

But for one small town in Florida, miraculously spared, the struggle is just beginning, as men and women of all backgrounds join together to confront the darkness. Will Patton's narration paints this classic tale as an ominous picture of the terrible possibilites of the nuclear age.

©1959 Harry Hart Frank (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Audie Award Winner, Fiction, 2012

"An enthralling and vivid story of the follies and failures of people, their courage and cruelty, their treachery and triumphs. Mr. Frank is a magnificent writer." ( Chicago Sunday Tribune)

"A warm, continuously interesting story of what can happen to a group of ordinary people in a perilous situation." ( New York Herald Tribune)

“Will Patton is a calm and steady narrator whose quiet intensity wraps around this post-apocalyptic saga...He reflects the tones of deference of women to men, nonwhites to whites, and children to adults. In a conversational tone, he quietly brings the characters and their relationships to life.” ( AudioFile)

Thought-provoking & interesting

I did not know what to expect when I started reading this- I thought it would be more of a traditional science fiction book . At first I was disappointed to think it was about war. However, as I listened I got very involved and found myself in that situation with them, it made me think about what could still happen to us and what would I do, and wonder if I'm prepared (I'm definitely not). It was also heartwarming and comforting hearing about people still basically being good hearted when the unthinkable happens.

Better than I remembered it from high school.

Would you consider the audio edition of Alas, Babylon to be better than the print version?

Equal. While the performance was well done, some of the voices seemed contrived. I'd rather fill in the voices myself.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Alas, Babylon?

When the citizens realized that they wanted to stay, even when offered escape.

Which character – as performed by Will Patton – was your favorite?

Randy

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Peyton took more control, sort of "manned-up" to meet the needs of the community. I thought that was a turning point.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed reading/hearing this 1959 novel so much more than when it was required reading in high school in 1975. The parallels to today were very moving: from politics to cultural differences to societal deficiencies and shining moments. I've recommended it to my whole family.

A Must Read!

Great audio book. Have listened to it, once a year. Narrator very good. It's a story that be it in a time line of the 1960's and the cold war, it could happen to us today with nukes being a ever present threat. A survival story that really makes you think about what really is important. You won't be disappointed, a great book & a easy listen!!

An Early Nuclear Apocalypse Novel

I didn't think I'd enjoy Will Patton as a narrator but he was excellent. As good as the book is on its own, it's even better with his narration. I've listened to it twice. It's one of those forget where you are, get lost in the story, sorry to have it end audiobooks. Not many better than this one, probably in my top five out of three hundred plus audible listens.

Pay attention to this story

This is a important story. Considering the instability that exists in our community and leaders, its a wakeup call. This story is about what happens if someone pushes " the " button and if and how we can survive. It is not a downer, there are parts that are sad but there are parts that you feel good , positive. I sat down and didn't get up until I finished the whole book.
I hope everyone reads this book . It's a very good and entertaining story. I highly recommend this book.

Don’t let the title stop you

I didn’t know what to expect because of the book’s title BUT I didn’t want it to end. This could be a series. I was on Chapter 4 and started over so my husband could listen to the book with me.
Excellent in performance and story.
The setting of the story at the beginning of the book hit very close to our foreign relationships today. A scary thought.

AS GOOD AS I REMEMBERED FROM HIGH SCHOOL

What did you love best about Alas, Babylon?

The "reality" of how a community could survive.

What did you like best about this story?

The entire story is so plausible.

Have you listened to any of Will Patton’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first but I look forward to hearing more.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I makes you think of the what ifs.

Great story/great narrator

Really loved it. Great story, great narration. I couldn't stop listening! The narrator nailed it!

Favorite book I had read back in school

Slow paced but yet holds interest. Have listened to it 3 times since purchase over the years.

Like finding lost treasure.

I have always been a fan of post apocalyptic fiction. I had disregarded "Alas, Babylon " because it was published one year before I was born. It was "old" science fiction. Well, it was great finding out what I missed. Will Patton was a great narrator, his voice was subdued and almost reverential to the classic that the book is. It was a great story to be read to.