THE DELUGE

by Stephen Markley

At 880 pages, The Deluge is a huge time commitment – one that, ultimately, I would not recommend that you indulge in.  And, my choice of the word ‘indulge’ is deliberate.  I decided to read The Deluge because it was recommended with sentiments like, “If you only read one book this year, The Deluge should be it.”  This complex, multi-layered tome sets forth the story of Earth’s imminent doom due to humans’ misuse of Earth’s resources and their total disregard for its oceans and atmosphere. Markley has created a huge set of characters, some of whom are relatable.  But his storylines, at best, provide him with a thinly veiled excuse to hit the reader over the head with his personal views.  Speeches come out of characters’ mouths that go on for pages and pages.  Markley writes some memorable scenes and delivers some important messages, but his delivery seems like one big indulgence that goes on for way too long.  For this reason, The Deluge is not my cup of tea. (Liz)