“Wool” by Hugh Howey – Ignorance is Bliss in a Toxic Wasteland
Wool by Hugh Howey, like many novels today, takes place in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, though thankfully it’s pretty void of zombies. More precisely, it follows the lives of certain people living in an underground silo, a few hundred stories deep. None have gone to the surface for ages now, and it has come to the point that not going outside is the most important rule to follow.
One day, however, Sheriff Holston, an old-fashioned and strict lawman, decides to break the rule and exit the silo. That decision causes a series of events to occur, each one upping the ante from the last.
As Juliette, a mechanic, is appointed to replace the Sheriff, she begins to see just how terrible their silo world is, and the silo’s inhabitants have started to consider committing the greatest crime of all, an uprising.
Those of you who have played Fallout 3 are probably tempted to call the book a rip-off, but I would urge you to hold your horses. Though the basic premise is the same, most of the book stands as a unique work of writing on its own. There are basically two storylines in this novel: Sheriff Holston’s desire to see outside the world, and the silo community slowly breaking down.
The story itself manages to captivate the reader’s attention with the help of the unknown; characters are often thrust into situations they have never faced yet, making their reactions and decisions that much more interesting. While some of the characters do feel a bit stereotypical and recycled, the ones that really matter manage to stand out from the crowd.
The most interesting part about the book though, in my opinion, is the criticism it presents. First, it looks at the idea of living according to traditions; after many years, the silo’s inhabitants don’t really have a way of knowing whether or not the laws and traditions in place are still current and actually protect them.
Second, it looks at the fear of the unknown, how it can end up controlling our lives, and what breaking free from it can really entail for us.
All in all, Wool manages to be a very entertaining and thought-provoking read, one I recommend to all of you who like stories set in post-apocalyptic settings.
One day, however, Sheriff Holston, an old-fashioned and strict lawman, decides to break the rule and exit the silo. That decision causes a series of events to occur, each one upping the ante from the last.
As Juliette, a mechanic, is appointed to replace the Sheriff, she begins to see just how terrible their silo world is, and the silo’s inhabitants have started to consider committing the greatest crime of all, an uprising.
Those of you who have played Fallout 3 are probably tempted to call the book a rip-off, but I would urge you to hold your horses. Though the basic premise is the same, most of the book stands as a unique work of writing on its own. There are basically two storylines in this novel: Sheriff Holston’s desire to see outside the world, and the silo community slowly breaking down.
The most interesting part about the book though, in my opinion, is the criticism it presents. First, it looks at the idea of living according to traditions; after many years, the silo’s inhabitants don’t really have a way of knowing whether or not the laws and traditions in place are still current and actually protect them.
Second, it looks at the fear of the unknown, how it can end up controlling our lives, and what breaking free from it can really entail for us.
All in all, Wool manages to be a very entertaining and thought-provoking read, one I recommend to all of you who like stories set in post-apocalyptic settings.
 | Hugh HoweyPersonal site Hugh Howey is an American author who generally specializes in science-fiction literature, and is best known for his popular series Wool. Prior to working as an author, Howey tried numerous careers, including roofer, audio technician, and yacht captain. |
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