‘Wool’ by Hugh Howey

4 Stars

Oh how to write this book review without comparing it to the AppleTV+ series! Although the show adaptation is excellent, I still stand by the age old philosophy - the book is better.

Wool is set deep underground in a bunkered society called The Silo. In this enclosed society you do not want to break the rules or your consequence will be banishment. Outside of The Silo. Into the radioactive apocalyptic atmosphere where no one has ever survived more than a few steps. This is a sci-fi dystopian novel that shows us humanity surviving centuries within confined unnatural circumstances.

Political intrigue? Check. Suspense? Check. Romance? Hidden Check. The experience of what would it be like to live in a collectivism society? Obvious Check.

Overall not a happy uplifting setting but the individual characters (and we get multiple main pov’s) was what kept me reading. I am definitely a sucker for character driven novels! And Wool delivers!

I really, very much, highly, greatly appreciate that all of the main and side characters are over the age of 30. FANTASY & SCI-FI AUTHORS:PLEASE WRITE MORE MAIN CHARACTERS WITH ACTUAL LIFE EXPERIENCE! To continue this rant it isn’t necessarily age (I could have stated ‘write more old people’); Wool is an excellent example of how much more enriching the story is when the characters are fully fleshed adults who have lived through and understand consequences - yet they are still willing to risk it all to have change for the better.

This novel left me with questions. What is my place in society? How can I live in hope and without resentments? Will the little things I do some day make a difference? Could I walk up 149 flights of stairs? (that one is a resounding no!) I am so glad Wool is the first novel in a series. I will be able to read on and hopefully find my answers.

- Steph
a doddering reader

Go watch the show! The tv series is really really really good too!