Review: The Postman
The Postman by David Brin
Yes, this is the book that the movie "The Postman" staring Kevin Costner was based on. Everyone who saw me reading this asked that. Most laughed when I said yes. But I don't care, I thought the movie was ok (great idea, but kinda long). And as it turns out the book is actually waaaay better than the movie.
The book basically takes place in the pacific northwest of the US about 15 years after a series of tragedies (famine, a limited nuclear attack). The central character Gordon, is a drifter who is looking for a place to settle down. Gordon is an unusual person to be a drifter; he is thinker and an idealist. In a world that has gone backward several centuries to a more primal way of life, he definitely stands out. One day he discovers an old mail truck. From it he gets a postal uniform and a mailbag. He decides to use these to help scam his way into the xenophobic villages that are the last semblance of human civilization. Little does he realize that his actions will spark the hopes of the people and lead the region into a unity that they desperately want and need...
I read this book with an open mind. I'm a fan of the post apocalyptic, and I considered this story to be research for that game I want to make (More details here). And I have to say I really liked the book. In fact while reading the book I found my saying "Why didn't they put this in the movie, its great!” The movie was true to the core of the book, but it definitely diverged in some areas.
Which is not to say the movie is bad. In fact there are some things from the movie that would have been better in the book (I don't want to give away the ending to either, but let’s just say that the movie was more realistic at its climax than the book was). In fact if I could merge the two together... well its a fun thought.
I give this book a 8 out of 10 and recommend you read it without prejudice (don't let the movie keep you from reading this).