Classics Considered

by Marian H

A Canticle for Leibowitz: Catholic Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction

This book was weird and whimsical, and I kinda want to read it again already:

One thing we didn’t talk about in our review was how this book treated the subject of euthanasia, which was also covered in Benson’s Lord of the World. Without giving away spoilers, my reaction was completely different to its portrayal in A Canticle for Leibowitz, because the context was quite different and seriously challenged me. Both books offer strong commentary on euthanasia that would be of interest to Christian readers and anyone who adopts a consistent life ethic. This is a topic adjacent to pacifism that I continue to wrestle with.

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Marian

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5 responses to “A Canticle for Leibowitz: Catholic Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction”

  1. Cyberkitten Avatar
    Cyberkitten

    I DNF’d ‘Canticle’ EONS ago and haven’t tried again since. It’s probably been at least 30 years… Maybe I should give it a second chance? [grin] I am ‘planning’ to re-read some of the SF Classics from my past from next year, so maybe I can add this one into the mix? [muses]

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    1. Marian Avatar
      Marian

      It might be worth another try! I do think the religious aspects might be hard to get through for nonbelievers (and as a non-Catholic, I wasn’t able to follow all of it either).

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      1. Cyberkitten Avatar
        Cyberkitten

        I’ll definitely consider a re-read (or a re-try). As long as the religious aspects aren’t too preachy, or are just interesting, I’ll be fine (probably). As a technical Catholic – on paper at least – I’m sure I won’t be able to follow all of it either! We’ll see. First I have to *find* my copy!

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  2. smellincoffee Avatar
    smellincoffee

    I remember enjoying this one, and touched on the euthanasia bits VERY lightly in my review because I was still starting to understand Catholic social teaching at the time. I can definitely see why the afflicted in this book wanted to do themselves in.

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    1. Marian Avatar
      Marian

      Yes, I really struggled with that part. Miller makes a valiant effort to defend the teaching through the character of Zerchi, but I was left unconvinced, I’m afraid. Emotionally unconvinced, that is… intellectually I’m with him. 😛

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Hi, I’m Marian—I talk about classics, history, and other books on this blog, as well as on YouTube.

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