Year of the Big Thaw By: Marion Zimmer Bradley (1930-1999)
The Year of the Big Thaw by Marion Zimmer Bradley is a riveting addition to the world of science fiction literature. Bradley has once again demonstrated her exceptional storytelling ability, drawing readers into a post-apocalyptic world where survival is at the forefront of everyone's mind. Set in a future where Earth has experienced a cataclysmic event known as the Big Thaw, the novel follows the journey of Emma, a resilient young woman who finds herself at the center of a desperate battle for survival. As she navigates through a harsh landscape filled with danger and uncertainty, Bradley skillfully explores the themes of resilience, loyalty, and the indomitable human spirit. One of the book's greatest strengths is Bradley's masterful world-building. She creates a vivid and believable setting, filled with intricate details that bring this post-apocalyptic world to life. The desolation of the frozen wasteland, the scarcity of resources, and the constant threat of predatory creatures are all expertly woven into the narrative, immersing readers in a chilling and relentless environment. The characters, particularly the protagonist Emma, are well-developed and multi-dimensional. Emma's journey is one of personal growth and self-discovery, as she grapples with her own fears and confronts the harsh realities of a shattered world. Through her interactions with the various individuals she encounters along the way, Bradley subtly explores the complexities of human relationships and the lengths people will go to protect those they care about. In addition to its thought-provoking themes and compelling characters, The Year of the Big Thaw also delivers an engaging and suspenseful plot. The pacing is expertly done, with the tension steadily building as the story unfolds. The multiple twists and turns keep readers on their toes, never quite certain of what dangers lie ahead. If there is one minor criticism, it would be that Bradley occasionally lingers on certain descriptive passages, slowing the momentum of the story. However, this is easily forgivable considering the overall quality of the book. Overall, The Year of the Big Thaw is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of science fiction and dystopian literature. Marion Zimmer Bradley's intricate world-building, well-crafted characters, and engrossing plot make for an unforgettable reading experience. This book serves as a testament to Bradley's skills as a storyteller and further cements her status as one of the genre's most talented authors. First Page: In this warm and fanciful story of a Connecticut farmer, Marion Zimmer Bradley has caught some of the glory that is man's love for man no matter who he is nor whence he's from. By heck, you'll like little Matt. year of the big thaw by ... Marion Zimmer Bradley Mr. Emmett did his duty by the visitor from another world never doubting the right of it. You say that Matthew is your own son, Mr. Emmett? Yes, Rev'rend Doane, and a better boy never stepped, if I do say it as shouldn't. I've trusted him to drive team for me since he was eleven, and you can't say more than that for a farm boy. Way back when he was a little shaver so high, when the war came on, he was bounden he was going to sail with this Admiral Farragut. You know boys that age like runaway colts. I couldn't see no good in his being cabin boy on some tarnation Navy ship and I told him so. If he'd wanted to sail out on a whaling ship, I 'low I'd have let him go. But Marthy that's the boy's Ma took on so that Matt stayed home. Yes, he's a good boy and a good son. We'll miss him a powerful lot if he gets this scholarship thing. But I 'low it'll be good for the boy to get some learnin' besides what he gets in the school here. It's right kind of you, Rev'rend, to look over this application thing for me... Continue reading book >>

Year of the Big Thaw By: Marion Zimmer Bradley (1930-1999)

The Year of the Big Thaw by Marion Zimmer Bradley is a riveting addition to the world of science fiction literature. Bradley has once again demonstrated her exceptional storytelling ability, drawing readers into a post-apocalyptic world where survival is at the forefront of everyone's mind.

Set in a future where Earth has experienced a cataclysmic event known as the Big Thaw, the novel follows the journey of Emma, a resilient young woman who finds herself at the center of a desperate battle for survival. As she navigates through a harsh landscape filled with danger and uncertainty, Bradley skillfully explores the themes of resilience, loyalty, and the indomitable human spirit.

One of the book's greatest strengths is Bradley's masterful world-building. She creates a vivid and believable setting, filled with intricate details that bring this post-apocalyptic world to life. The desolation of the frozen wasteland, the scarcity of resources, and the constant threat of predatory creatures are all expertly woven into the narrative, immersing readers in a chilling and relentless environment.

The characters, particularly the protagonist Emma, are well-developed and multi-dimensional. Emma's journey is one of personal growth and self-discovery, as she grapples with her own fears and confronts the harsh realities of a shattered world. Through her interactions with the various individuals she encounters along the way, Bradley subtly explores the complexities of human relationships and the lengths people will go to protect those they care about.

In addition to its thought-provoking themes and compelling characters, The Year of the Big Thaw also delivers an engaging and suspenseful plot. The pacing is expertly done, with the tension steadily building as the story unfolds. The multiple twists and turns keep readers on their toes, never quite certain of what dangers lie ahead.

If there is one minor criticism, it would be that Bradley occasionally lingers on certain descriptive passages, slowing the momentum of the story. However, this is easily forgivable considering the overall quality of the book.

Overall, The Year of the Big Thaw is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of science fiction and dystopian literature. Marion Zimmer Bradley's intricate world-building, well-crafted characters, and engrossing plot make for an unforgettable reading experience. This book serves as a testament to Bradley's skills as a storyteller and further cements her status as one of the genre's most talented authors.

First Page:

In this warm and fanciful story of a Connecticut farmer, Marion Zimmer Bradley has caught some of the glory that is man's love for man no matter who he is nor whence he's from. By heck, you'll like little Matt.

year of the big thaw

by ... Marion Zimmer Bradley

Mr. Emmett did his duty by the visitor from another world never doubting the right of it.

You say that Matthew is your own son, Mr. Emmett?

Yes, Rev'rend Doane, and a better boy never stepped, if I do say it as shouldn't. I've trusted him to drive team for me since he was eleven, and you can't say more than that for a farm boy. Way back when he was a little shaver so high, when the war came on, he was bounden he was going to sail with this Admiral Farragut. You know boys that age like runaway colts. I couldn't see no good in his being cabin boy on some tarnation Navy ship and I told him so. If he'd wanted to sail out on a whaling ship, I 'low I'd have let him go. But Marthy that's the boy's Ma took on so that Matt stayed home. Yes, he's a good boy and a good son.

We'll miss him a powerful lot if he gets this scholarship thing. But I 'low it'll be good for the boy to get some learnin' besides what he gets in the school here. It's right kind of you, Rev'rend, to look over this application thing for me... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Science
Short stories

eBook links
Wikipedia – Marion Zimmer Bradley
Wikipedia – Year of the Big Thaw

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