The Chrysalids (US: Re-Birth)

[King Antonius]

I remember reading this at school when I was about 14, and enjoyed it. So I thought I would give it a bash with my new e-reader. I am so glad I did.
It is not a hard read, and is about 195 pages long, it is one of those stories that you don't have to think very hard to get into, but if you do you can lose yourself in the world Wyndham has tried to create.

I loved every page, and re-reading it with a more matured mind helped me understand sections I previously had not. I recommend this to any Sci-Fi fan.



Plot Synopsis, i've spoilered it out, just incase you want the story to be a suprise etc.

Spoiler:

The story is set in a post-apocalypse rural area of Labrador, Canada, evidently a warmer place than it is at present. The setting is loosely reminiscent of the American West, not the classic period, but during the 17th or 18th century. They have vague memories of a more advanced civilisation which existed several centuries earlier (evidently 20th century society) which was destroyed when God sent "Tribulation" to the world. They believe that to follow God's word, they need to root out mutations. Most of the time, these mutations manifest as odd plants or animals. But on occasion, they occur in humans, and those human mutants are banished and sterilized.

Though the nature of "Tribulation" is not explicitly stated, it is implied that it was actually a nuclear holocaust, both by the mutations, and by the stories of sailors who report blackened, glassy wastes to the south (presumably modern day USA) where the remains of cities can be seen and which glow faintly in the night time. It is also mentioned that going too close to these places causes symptoms which are similar to radiation sickness.

The story is narrated by a boy, David Strorm, who goes through some very disturbing experiences when he meets a girl who he discovers has six toes on each foot. Later in adolescence he discovers that himself and a few others living in the area are telepathic. Their mutation cannot be seen, making them all the more dangerous. Wyndham tells this story with his characteristic dry humour.

John Wyndham preferred the title The Chrysalids for this book. The word chrysalid means "relating to or resembling a chrysalis". This title is perhaps ironic: a chrysalis is a "protected stage of development" in the life cycle of a moth or butterfly.

[kbphoto]

I loved this book in high school. I went on to read everything by John Wyndham that I could get my hands on. I especially enjoyed "The Day of the Triffids". I 'kept' my copy from high school and so my kids have enjoyed the book as well.
Thanks for reminding me about this book, I will have to go and find it for my new ereader!

[Wetdogeared]

I liked this book in high school too. I remembered the plot but couldn't remember the name of the book when another member wrote "fringe" in a word association thread. I made this post asking for help with the name and that was enough to trigger my memory.