Alas, Babylon Book Review

Alas, Babylon is set in Fort Repose, Florida. Nuclear war hangs over the fate of the world as they know. Randy Bragg is a lawyer living in the small town of Fort Repose. His older brother, Mark Bragg, is an Air Force Colonel stationed at Offutt AFB in Omaha. Mark sends Randy a secret encoded message telling his brother that he was coming to visit along with his wife and children. The message ended with the phrase, “Alas, Babylon”. To the reader the message puzzles you, but Randy knows the true meaning of the message. A few months earlier, Randy and Mark had discussed the possibility of a nuclear war breaking out. They came up with the secret code phrase “Alas, Babylon” as a warning that nuclear attack against the United States was coming. Randy attempts to stock up and prepare for the aftermath as best as he can, but he can’t exactly know what to expect and what will be left after they are attacked. Modern society was completely destroyed after “The Day”. Medical supplies, food, communication, and transportation were no longer there for use. Pat Frank, the author, showed us though that hope can be found in the smallest of places. In all of the destruction, the small town of Fort Repose still retained some civilization and hope that recovery is not too far. Alas, Babylon gave readers almost fifty years ago insight into what nuclear war would do to the world as we know it. In fact, it can still serve as a cautionary sign to those who are in control of nuclear weapons today. The book definitely opens up your mind to the reality of war and the consequences people must pay afterwards. Hopefully, our great country never has to go through such hard ship and suffering. Instead, let us prevail and stand strong.