Customer Reviews

The Year When Stardust Fell

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Most of Raymond F. Jones' work examines the social role of science workers facing opposition from the darker impulses of Humanity in the form of mystics, politicians, looters, and the ignorant in general. The Year When Stardust Fell is one of my earliest science fiction reads and I admit prejudice in favor of its nostalgia-provoking optimism for the potential of science.

The story opens with introduction of a typical 1950's small town. Ken Maddox faces the paradoxical failure of metal components in a variety of machines soon after the Earth passes through the tail of a comet. As the failures become widespread industrial life around the world comes to a literal grinding halt. Ken and his scientist father struggle to communicate with other scientists via radio while researching the cause and a cure for the metal failure, while fighting to help their community optimize resources. Opposition comes in the form of wandering mobs from the food-starved cities and self-promoting ego cases, seeking followers for their own glory.

The Year Stardust Fell is a dark tale. The only light comes from rational people working together for mutual benefit. The realistically portrayed consequences of the comet's effect and the town's survival efforts against the breakdown of society are unusual for young adult work from this time period. The story manages to reflect the optimism of America to challenges, typical of pre-Vietnam/Watergate literature. Highly recommended.

This was probably the first science fiction novel that I ever read, and I still have the original library hardcover edition that I acquired long ago. I have read this book multiple times, and it is simply a great science fiction novel. This is a clean family book as far as language and mature themes (although it does contain some battle scenes with gunfire and killings) which is good for young people to get started in science fiction. If I remember correctly, I first read this in fourth or fifth grade, and I enjoyed it immensely. Even though young people can read this book, it is still a very good story for adults, and I recommend it to everyone.

I read this book when I was in the 6th grade. It was among some library books the teachers brought to the classrooms to promote reading. The original title was 'The Day Stardust Fell.' I read it in one night. My teacher didn't believe me when I told her. Let it suffice to say, this is a fast read.

I read this as a kid and it is just as good today. It is very interesting as to what happens when society breaks down. Very glad I read it again.