The Postman | FAQ & 13 Books Like It

The Postman | FAQ & 13 Books Like It

March 26, 2024
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Written by: the NextBook team
Hey there, fellow bookworms! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a post-apocalyptic world where hope seems like a distant memory? Well, that's exactly the journey we're about to embark on as we delve into David Brin's gripping novel, "The Postman." This story takes us through a landscape ravaged by war, where a simple act of donning a postman's uniform becomes a symbol of hope and renewal in a shattered society. Get ready to join me on an adventure filled with courage, resilience, and the power of human connection in the face of adversity. As we dive deeper into the world of "The Postman," we'll unravel the lives of characters like Gordon, a seemingly ordinary man who finds himself thrust into extraordinary circumstances, and the enigmatic figure of the Postman who embodies the resilience and spirit of a nation on the brink of revival. Alongside them, we'll encounter allies like Abby, whose strength and compassion add depth to the narrative, and adversaries like General Bethlehem, whose thirst for power threatens to undermine the fragile threads of hope woven by our protagonist. If you find yourself captivated by the themes of survival, community, and redemption in "The Postman," fear not! In the upcoming sections, I'll be sharing a curated list of books that you are sure to love if you enjoyed this post-apocalyptic masterpiece. So grab your reading glasses and get ready to explore more tales of courage, resilience, and the enduring human spirit in the pages of these recommended reads. Stay tuned for our book recommendations that are bound to keep you on the edge of your seat!
The Book Cover Image for The Postman
The Book Cover Image for The Postman
Post-Apocalyptic
Survival
Family

The Road

The Road is a post-apocalyptic novel by Cormac McCarthy that follows a father and son journeying through a desolate and dangerous world. It explores themes of survival, love, and hope amidst the bleakest of circumstances.
Author
Cormac McCarthy
Year Written
2006
The Road
Dystopian
Post-Apocalyptic
Literary

Station Eleven

"Station Eleven" is a gripping post-apocalyptic novel that weaves together multiple storylines, exploring the interconnected lives of characters before and after a devastating pandemic. With its beautifully crafted prose and thought-provoking themes of humanity, art, and resilience, it portrays a world where survival goes beyond the physical realm into the realm of art and storytelling.
Author
Emily St. John Mandel
Year Written
2014
Station Eleven
Apocalyptic
Thriller
Horror

The Stand

"The Stand" is an epic apocalyptic novel by Stephen King, depicting a world devastated by a deadly pandemic. The survivors are divided into factions as they battle between good and evil, with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance.
Author
Stephen King
Year Written
1978
The Stand
Love
Tragedy
Emotions

Alas

"Alas" by Richard C. Gray is a compelling exploration of human resilience and the complexities of fate, weaving together the lives of its characters in a narrative that challenges and engages the reader. Through masterful storytelling, Gray delves into themes of loss, redemption, and the indomitable human spirit, making "Alas" a poignant and memorable read.
Author
Richard C. Gray
Year Written
1868.
Alas
Historical
Fiction
Virtual Reality

Babylon

'Babylon' is a thought-provoking exploration of power and corruption in an oppressive society, as two individuals navigate the complex web of politics and personal desires. With its atmospheric setting and compelling characters, the novel delves deep into themes of ambition, loyalty, and the pursuit of truth.
Author
Yasmina Reza
Year Written
2016
Babylon
Post-Apocalyptic
Survival
Fiction

The Dog Stars

"The Dog Stars" is a gripping post-apocalyptic novel set in a world decimated by a flu pandemic, following the lone survivor, Hig, as he navigates a desolate landscape with his dog and a survivalist neighbor. It explores themes of isolation, love, and the human will to survive in the face of unimaginable loss.
Author
Peter Heller
Year Written
2012
The Dog Stars
Post-Apocalyptic
Thriller
Horror

The Passage

"The Passage" is a gripping post-apocalyptic novel where a secret government experiment unleashes a deadly virus, turning humans into bloodthirsty creatures. The story follows a group of survivors as they navigate a desolate world and search for a cure to this catastrophic epidemic.
Author
Justin Cronin
Year Written
2010
The Passage
Horror
Gothic
time travel

Dracula

Dracula is a captivating horror novel by Bram Stoker that follows the haunting tale of Count Dracula as he unleashes his vampire curse upon the world, and a group of brave individuals who dare to confront him in order to save humanity. With its eerie atmosphere and unforgettable characters, it remains a timeless masterpiece in the realm of Gothic literature.
Author
Bram Stoker
Year Written
1897
Dracula
Science Fiction
Apocalyptic
Survival

Lucifer's Hammer

"Lucifer's Hammer" is a gripping science fiction novel that follows the aftermath of a catastrophic comet impact on Earth, testing the survival skills and resilience of its diverse characters. As society collapses and chaos ensues, they must band together to navigate a harsh new world and confront the challenges of rebuilding civilization.
Author
Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle
Year Written
1977
Lucifer's Hammer
Science Fiction
Post-Apocalyptic
Religion

A Canticle for Leibowitz

A Canticle for Leibowitz follows a post-apocalyptic world where a group of monks preserve knowledge from before the devastation, with the story spanning across centuries as society rebuilds and faces the same destructive patterns. This sci-fi novel explores themes of faith, knowledge, and human nature in a beautifully written and thought-provoking narrative.
Author
Walter M. Miller Jr.
Year Written
1959
A Canticle for Leibowitz
Dystopian
Science Fiction
Environmentalism

Oryx and Crake

"Oryx and Crake" is a dystopian novel that takes place in a future where genetic engineering runs rampant, exploring the consequences of unchecked scientific innovation on society. The story follows the protagonist's journey through a devastated world, intertwined with memories of his past and the mysterious figures of Oryx and Crake.
Author
Margaret Atwood
Year Written
2003
Oryx and Crake
Zombies
Survival
Apocalyptic

World War Z

"World War Z" is a gripping oral history that recounts the global war against zombies, offering an intense and realistic portrayal of the chaotic and harrowing battles fought by humanity. Written with meticulous attention to detail, it presents a compelling narrative of survival, resilience, and the various perspectives of those who witnessed and endured the war.
Author
Max Brooks
Year Written
2006
World War Z
Dystopia
Coming of Age
Societal Control

The Giver

"The Giver" is a dystopian novel set in a seemingly perfect society where the absence of pain and emotions is maintained through strict control. When twelve-year-old Jonas is chosen to receive memories of the past from the community's sole Receiver, he starts to question the society's true cost of harmony.
Author
Lois Lowry
Year Written
1993
The Giver
Dystopian
Adventure
Survival

The Hunger Games

"The Hunger Games" is a dystopian novel set in a future where children from different districts are forced to compete in a televised fight to the death. It follows the story of Katniss Everdeen as she defies the oppressive regime and fights for survival and rebellion.
Author
Suzanne Collins
Year Written
2008
The Hunger Games

FAQ

Overview

"The Postman" by David Brin is a post-apocalyptic novel that follows a man named Gordon who finds a postman's uniform and uses it to pose as a representative of the Restored United States of America. In a world ravaged by a devastating war, Gordon's small act of deception sets off a chain of events that eventually leads to hope and renewal among the scattered survivors. As he travels from town to town, delivering mail and spreading the message of unity and solidarity, Gordon's actions inspire those he encounters to believe in the possibility of a better future. Brin's novel masterfully combines elements of adventure, hope, and humanity in a world that has been stripped of civilization as we know it. "The Postman" explores themes of resilience, community, and the power of communication in the face of chaos and despair, making it a captivating read for anyone interested in post-apocalyptic fiction with a touch of optimism and redemption.

Length of Read

5h36m

Main Characters

- Gordon: The protagonist who inadvertently becomes a symbol of hope and unity in a world struggling to rebuild after a devastating war. - The Postman: Initially a guise taken on by Gordon, the Postman persona evolves into a beacon of inspiration for communities seeking connection and purpose in a shattered world. - Abby: A strong and resourceful survivor who forms a deep bond with Gordon, adding a touch of warmth and humanity to the story. - General Bethlehem: The ruthless antagonist whose desire for power and control poses a direct threat to the fragile peace Gordon is trying to foster.

Ending & Meaning

In the climax of "The Postman," Gordon confronts General Bethlehem in a final showdown that tests the very essence of his message of hope and unity. As the battle reaches its peak, Gordon's actions and the choices he makes not only determine the fate of the characters but also symbolize the enduring power of human connection and resilience in the face of darkness and despair. The ending of the novel serves as a poignant reminder that even in the most challenging of times, the smallest acts of kindness and courage can spark a chain reaction of change and redemption. Readers of "The Postman" can take away themes of the indomitable human spirit, the importance of communication and community, and the transformative impact of leadership in times of crisis. Through Gordon's journey, the novel ultimately suggests that even in a world torn apart by chaos and strife, there is always the possibility of rebuilding and renewal through the bonds we forge with one another.
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