Dystopian: illness kills most humans, few left in gangs, animals grow in numbers

[sirbender]

Hi,

I am looking for a quite unknown book I got from the library when I was a child.

It is the story of some guy who survives and the book describes his journey. He rescues a woman, there is a fight at the end...I think his hair turn white after that.

The book is probably not spectacular. Still I would like to read it again

Thanks for your help!
sb

[northernexposure]

OK. One book that has an illness that wipes out most of humanity is Earth Abides, by George Stewart. But it is a spectacular book, well worth reading. No gangs, as I recall.

[sirbender]

Parts of it sound about right...but I think it is not the book. Actually I am almost 100% sure.

Packs of animals (dogs, cats, rats) are roaming the world and gangs of people - mostly men - who kill others and take their possessions. The main character rescues the woman he meets from one of these gangs.

I still hope somebody recognises this book

Cheers,
sb

[otistdog]

If there are any other details you remember or even half-remember -- even seemingly irrelevant details (like someone's hair turning white at the end) -- it is much more likely that someone will be able to help you. What you've given so far matches a whole lot of post-apocalyptic stories.

[sirbender]

The story is pretty dark. There is also a lot of rape and killing going on. That I remember for sure. I can only hope the white-hair detail is correct. I am not sure anymore.

[Extollager]

If you got this from a library when you were a child, could it be book for "juveniles" by John Christopher?

[Stephen Palmer]

Brian Aldiss, Greybeard ?

[Extollager]

Is it Empty World by John Christopher?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empty_World

[sirbender]

Thanks for the tips. I checked all suggestions but sadly it is all a little off.

"juveniles" by John Christopher I didn't find.

Greybeard sounds interesting but isn't it. In my story people just die (I think unknown reasons, maybe a disease) within a short period.

Empty World sounds very close to what I am looking for especially the description of the animals. I don't think it is what I was looking for. I will try to get my hands on a copy though.

Please keep the suggestions coming. Thanks,
sb

[otistdog]

Originally Posted by northernexposure

OK. One book that has an illness that wipes out most of humanity is Earth Abides, by George Stewart. But it is a spectacular book, well worth reading. No gangs, as I recall.

There's a brief allusion to gang-type activity when the narrator is still sick towards the beginning, but I don't remember them being prominent, nor that the main woman character is rescued from gangs.

The narrator is quite old at the end, though, so... white hair?

[Extollager]

Empty World by John Christopher was a "juvenile" (Young Adult) novel.

[sirbender]

Hehe...ok...now I understand. "Juvenile" wasn't the title. I checked Empty World but that isn't it. Also not the other suggestions above.

Thanks for your help nonetheless.

[monkeypooper]

The Afterblight Chronicles (the culled is the 1st one by Simon Spurrier) it's six books by different authors but it's 2006 you said when you were younger but I have no idea what age you are

[High Eight]

Originally Posted by sirbender

Parts of it sound about right...but I think it is not the book. Actually I am almost 100% sure.

Packs of animals (dogs, cats, rats) are roaming the world and gangs of people - mostly men - who kill others and take their possessions. The main character rescues the woman he meets from one of these gangs.

I still hope somebody recognises this book

Cheers,
sb

The Castle Keeps by Andrew J Offutt is pretty dark and violent.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Castle-K.../dp/0425021874

[sirbender]

@monkeypooper: it was at least 18 years ago. I am old

@High Eight: it's a good fit but I checked it out and it's sadly not it.