DOOMSDAY MORNING. [Paperback]

C.L. Moore (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: AVON.; First Edition edition (1957)
• ASIN: B000IUOAF8
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 3.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,774,872 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A futuristic story of the past that speaks to us again today..., February 26, 2006

By 

J. Vargo "bibliophile" (Ohio USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Born into a world where the USA is ruled by a benvolent dictator, the main character, Howard Rohan, made and lost fame and fortune as an actor in movies created by the official communications organization, COMUS (short for COMmunications of the United States).

On the surface, the movies seem to be pure entertainment, modern romances and action films, to help the people fill their leisure hours. But something more sinister is behind the films and the new acting troupes Comus has sent into rebellious California (of course). Why are the troupes touring the state? Why are the actors required to perform the play exactly as written with no missed words or ad libbing? What is the purpose of the giant sound truck that accompanies the troupe, even though all performances are open-air and without microphones? Why does he have a weird dream about the President committing suicide with a device called an Antic?

In its historical context, this is actually a very good book. Written in 1957 amidst all sorts of communist plots and fears of communist plots, this book explores some behind the scenes workings of totalitarian governments from the perspective of one person who cooperates not out of idealism but out of expectation of personal gain. It is interesting to watch Howard as he intentionally blinds himself to things that should alarm him and as he rationalizes mocking a loyalty he doesn't feel or believe in. C.L. Moore plays into all the fears prevalent in the middle of the 20th century and shows us that all totalitarian regimes eventually run out of steam as people begin to realize you can't really trade freedom for security because in the end you lose both.

It's also a sort of testament to the longing of the human heart to be free and of the resourcefulness of those who listen to that call.

I give it two smilie faces.