THE POSTMAN

Now before you think this is about the Kevin Costner's movie version, I'll have to disappoint you, this is about the far superior novel. 

The novel was originally published in two parts, and I think that's where Mr Costner went wrong. The movie only covers the first part and leaves out a lot of the stuff that makes the novel a recommended read. The second part really takes it to the realm of award winning. OK, if by any chance you have not seen the movie, don't watch it before reading this novel. It spoils a good book.

The first part of the book tells the tale of a wandering bard in the post apocalypse trading performances of Shakespeare for a hot meal and a bed for the night. During his wanderings he literally stumbles across his postman's uniform, which he puts on to keep warm. He also finds a bag full of mail, which inspires his lie at the next settlement he comes across, he becomes a postman of an alleged Restored States of America. The lie snowballs out of his control due to peoples desperation to believe it.

The second part of the novel deals with the last sentient supercomputer called Cyclops and it's attempts to re-civilise starting with a small community. I'm not going to reveal too many details as it would spoil your fun. The second part also deals with the conflicts between the settlements and the "hypersurvivalists", and the intervention of an unexpected force. Again I don't want to spoil you fun by giving too much away.

I really enjoyed this novel, and can't recommend it enough. Even if you have seen the movie, which won quite a few raspberry awards, give this a chance and you won't be disappointed. I think this rates a score of 8 out of 10.

Until the next time, the DUDE wants you to "take it easy".