The Last Generation and Apathy: A Book Review

Author: Steffan Postaer.

"The Last Generation" is the first book published by author and advertising guru Steffan Postaer. Released by Inkwater Press in 2003, "The Last Generation" tells a post-apocalyptic story of Embryo Fatality Syndrome. In the world of tomorrow there are no more children. Also in this bleak new world there are no governments that care and a general apathetic feeling towards man's extinction. Succintly, "The Last Generation" creates questions on the complacency of society where death with no hope is inevitable.

In a few short words, this novel looks at an isolated harem known as the Congress. Here one man has access to the few fertile women of the world. However, these women undergo a miscarriage several months later. In the harem's of tomorrow the women are abused and the one man becomes like a God.

There is more to "The Last Generation" than the escape of libidinal energies e.g. sex in space there are also biker gangs. A whole novel could be written about sex in space. Instead, Postaer jumps back and forth between characters often and without logic while unifying the chapters through the process of grief. With each chapter there is a new stage e.g. depression, bargaining and with each new identity a new meth lab destroyed, or character killed by venomous snake. The book could have really shown the end of the world in more graphic tones, but hey did this review mention there is sex in space?

In Postaer's book there is little rioting when humanity is faced with its own survival; instead, there is mostly an uncaring feeling on the part of the characters. Most of the people in the novel go to there jobs as normal, or sit patiently hoping for a cure. Apparently without the possibility of future children man can only expect complacency.

The reason for Embryo Fatality Syndrome is only given one line. This line will not be revealed in order for readers to purchase the book. However, to some mankind's failability is a disgrace rather than scene of triumph. Although the people within the novel are hopeless there is the possibility of questioning man's current existence and the opportunity for life rather than inevitable extinction.

Overall: 6 out of 10 (a little more action and chaos, escapism can be pure joy sometimes).



More details on the book:

The Last Generation Homepage

A novel trailer:



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