by Anne Mendel
Genres: Post-Apocalyptic
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
It’s the 2020 Apocalypse and Sophie Cohen, former social worker turned neighborly drug dealer, must keep her family alive amid those pesky end of the world issues: starvation, earthquakes, plagues, gang violence and alas more starvation.She investigates a serial killing and takes down the sinister emerging power structure while learning to use a pizza box solar oven, bond with her chickens and blast tin cans from the perimeter fence with a Ruger 9MM. In order to accomplish all this she must find a way to love her mother, accept her daughter’s adulthood and reignite her moribund marriage. She might discover that a decentralized, consensus driven life—without fossil fuels, iPhones and chocolate éclairs—isn’t the end of the world, after all.
Set in the year 2020 this post-apocalyptic novel dishes up dark humor, memorable characters and a startling look at a post-apocalypse reality. Mendel’s debut novel is captivating as she takes us into downtown Portland and into the lives of the Cohen family. I was held hostage by the protagonist’s voice and the suspenseful plot.
The tale begins when we step into the life of Sophia Cohen. Before devastating natural disasters occurred she was a mother, wife and social worker. Now she is a drug dealer trading medication for food and supplies. The residence in the condo that the Cohen family resides in, work together as a small commune. They all have skills and use those for the good of the building. Bertrand, Sophie’s husband, works at the local hospital for bread and one night tells Sophia about the bodies of a young woman showing up with their hearts missing. He thinks they should investigate and the tale that unfolds rocks their world and forever changes them. They learn of a power struggle between two rival gangs and quickly realize they are all in danger. Told from Sophia’s voice, Mendel breathes such an air of believability into this tale, that I found myself completely immersed.
The characters in this tale are all unique. Some are dark, some pathetic and some downright scary. Sophia wears many caps. She is; a daughter seeking approval, a wife who wants to be held, and a mother who worries for her daughter’s future. She is a sister, a caregiver and an organizer. She is brave even when she wants to turn tail and run. Sophia is clever and sees the big picture. To the outside world, she is quiet, bright, a leader, a shoulder to cry on, and the voice of reason. On the inside, she is a scared, sarcastic, witty woman who wants a hot bath, a piece of chocolate cake and maybe some friggin toilet paper. I adore her and I love the running commentary she has in her head. At times I laughed so hard I had tears. Bertrand is a quiet man. He is soft-spoken, liked by all and driven in his professional field. He takes healing very seriously and at times Sophia thinks he is oblivious to the world outside of the hospital. As we learn about Bertrand we find out there is so much more to this man. Lulu is Sophia’s somewhat eccentric mother and I loved this silly woman. The other characters in this tale were well fleshed out and took on lives of their own. From the bad guys to the not so bad guys I was highly entertained and found them all to be memorable. It isn’t often that secondary characters have this much depth.
The world-building was so surreal. Mendel lays out a post-apocalyptic world and holds nothing back. She briefly explains how this world came to be, at least enough to satisfy this reader and paints the results in a horrifying, humorous, and realistic way. I loved the attention to detail from the source of food to the longing for toilet paper. The power struggle that is occurring in Portland and the Cohen’s inevitable role in it was fascinating, scary and believable. This is not a fast-paced tale; it is complex and beautifully woven. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, the characters, and the stark reality.
Fans of post-apocalyptic novels are sure to fine Mendel’s dark, gritty and humorous tale a delight. While some of my YA readers might find the pace of this novel too slow for their taste, I think you will find it worth the read. Etiquette for an Apocalypse was highly entertaining and a fantastic survival guide. I have added Anne Mendel to my authors to watch list and look forward to reading more of her work.
Share this:
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Learn More
Let me promptly understanding your own really simply syndication as I cannot find a person’s e-mail monthly subscription hyperlink as well as e-newsletter support. Carry out you might have any kind of? Please allow me to recognize in order that I can signed up. Cheers.
MaryAnn
This sounds really good! I am big fan of Apocalyptic, post-Apocalyptic, and Dystopian reads. I love that it humorous and that there are “stand out” characters! Fantastic review <3
kimbacaffeinate
This was a cool read and so different from anything out there. 🙂
Christina Franke
Yours is the second good review I’ve seen for this! I definitely need to read it, what with my obsession with dystopian and post-apocalytpic fiction!
Nick
Sounds like a very interesting read. Seriously, how do you discover these awesome-sauce books ? 😀
Post-apocalyptic books are a favorite of mine, so I have no doubt that I’ll enjoy reading it. The characters and the world-building seem great! Very convincing review, Kim! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Aww hugs back. This was good, totally love the characters.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you try it Christina. This is the most reality based I have ever read.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Nick I hope you try it 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Totally agree on the cover and it fits the book perfectly!
laura thomas
I have been hearing good things about this one. Have to replenish my review fund so I can grab it soon!
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
This sounds like a more unique take on post apocalyptic world! And I don’t know how well I’d fare without TP…better stock my basement now!
kimbacaffeinate
As a book budget blowing diva I feel your pain. Hope you enjoy this when the budget allows 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I know RIGHT, that and things like soap, hygiene products etc. The heck with food ..i want to smell good!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Heidi..i really liked this one 🙂
becca
I have not heard of this before but i love the cover! There is something funny about it,made me giggle inside. It sounds amazing!! I will def add it to my TBR! I need to read more post apocalyptic world xx thanks for sharing 🙂 xx
kimbacaffeinate
This was a good one..would love to here your thoughts when you read it 🙂
Blodeuedd
I am happy to see that you enjoyed it too. It was sure different from the post apocalyptic books that I have read so far
Giselle Cormier
Omg this sounds totally fun and hilarious! Plus I’m all for pathetic characters!! haha. Great review Kimba I’ve seen this cover before but it’s the first time I really check what it’s about and read a review on it!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Giselle I hope you check it out. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Anna 🙂
Heidi
Dark gritty and humourous now that is an intersting description for an apocalyptic book. I saw this on another blog awhle back and it peaked my interest and I love the cover. Glad it it earned high marks from you, Kimba!
Barbara W.
That cover! You had me sold in the third paragraph, what a great review. Can I just tackle you and hug you for reviewing something I want immediately that happens to already be OUT this time?! 😀
Michelle
I love the wide variety of books you read and review Kimba! The title of this book cracks me up too. Thanks for the great review
emaginette
Great review. 🙂