“Railway rails that once crisscrossed continents, train stations that seeped into urban life, and the wheels that brought people together – the humble train has played a far greater role in shaping the narrative of human history. From epic novels to poignant memoirs, trains have long served as a canvas for authors to paint vivid portraits of the past, weaving together tales that transcend time and place. In this curated selection of nine literary locomotives, we’ll take you on a ride through the pages of some of the most captivating books that have been set on trains, each one a testament to the transformative power of the rails and the boundless imagination of the writers who rode them.”
The Evolution of Apocalypse Fiction
From Classic to Contemporary
The end of the world is never really the end of the world—at least not in fiction. After all, someone must survive to tell the tale. And what tales they are. Humans have been pondering the end of existence for as long as we’ve been aware of it, and as a result, we have a rich collection of apocalypse and post-apocalypse literature to read during our planet’s senescence. We’ve done our best to limit this list to books in which there is—or has been—some kind of literal apocalypse, excluding dystopias (like The Handmaid’s Tale) or simply bleak visions of the future. We could argue all day about what actually constitutes an “apocalypse”—2020 is checking a lot of boxes, as you may have noticed—so for the most part, we’ve gone with our gut.
Of course, there are plenty more great apocalypse and post-apocalypse novels that didn’t fit on this list, and we haven’t read enough books in translation in this genre, so as ever, please add on your own favorites in the comments. (And stay safe out there.)
The Rise of Dystopian Fiction
One of the defining characteristics of apocalypse fiction is its connection to real-world fears. The rise of dystopian fiction can be traced back to the 20th century, with the advent of nuclear weapons and the looming threat of nuclear war. This period saw a surge in literature that explored the aftermath of nuclear conflict. Richard Matheson’s I Am Legend (1954) is a seminal work in this genre, blending elements of science fiction, horror, and post-apocalyptic narratives. The novel is more famous today for its influence on subsequent works, particularly the zombie genre, rather than for its original material. Matheson’s work is a testament to the literary impact of apocalyptic themes, even if the novel itself can be a bit uneven.
Another notable work from this era is Nevil Shute’s On the Beach (1957). Set in a post-nuclear world, the novel follows a small group of survivors in Melbourne, Australia, awaiting the inevitable spread of radiation. Shute’s novel is a poignant exploration of human resilience and the moral dilemmas faced by survivors in a world on the brink of extinction. This period also saw the rise of “safe room” literature, where characters often use trains as a means of escape and survival, as seen in The Day of the Triffids and On the Beach.
New Directions in Apocalypse Fiction
In recent years, authors like Ling Ma and David Mitchell have reimagined the apocalypse, bringing fresh perspectives to the genre. Ling Ma’s Severance (2018) offers a unique take on the apocalypse, with a pandemic that turns victims into zombies who continue their daily routines until they rot away. Ma’s novel is a chilling exploration of modern society and the notion of comfort and nostalgia in the face of impending doom. The novel follows Candace, one of the few immune to the plague, as she documents the crumbling of New York City.
David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas (2004) is another notable work that blends apocalyptic themes with interconnected storytelling. While not solely an apocalypse novel, Cloud Atlas features a post-apocalyptic storyline that highlights the interconnectedness of time and space. The novel’s structure, which weaves together six different narratives, underscores the impact of human actions on future generations, providing a sobering look at the potential consequences of unchecked progress.
Literary Locomotives: Nine Books Set on Trains That Changed the World
The Classic Trains
Trains have long been a symbol of escape and survival in apocalypse fiction. Two classic works that feature trains as a means of escape and survival are John Wyndham’s The Day of the Triffids (1951) and Nevil Shute’s On the Beach (1957).
John Wyndham’s The Day of the Triffids is a classic apocalypse novel that imagines a world overtaken by carnivorous plants and a meteor strike that blinds most of humanity. The novel is a thrilling exploration of survival and resilience in a world on the brink of extinction. Even Arthur C. Clarke called it an “immortal story.” While it is well-known, Wyndham’s 1955 novel The Chrysalids is also worth noting for its exploration of a post-apocalyptic world where humans have evolved to avoid detection by a hostile alien species.
Nevil Shute’s On the Beach is a poignant exploration of human resilience in a post-nuclear world. The novel follows a small group of survivors in Melbourne, Australia, awaiting the inevitable spread of radiation. Trains play a pivotal role in the story, serving as a means of escape and a symbol of hope in a world on the brink of extinction. The novel is a testament to the human spirit and the moral dilemmas faced by survivors in a world where the end is near.
The Modern Train
Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven masterfully employs trains as a symbol of hope in a post-apocalyptic world. Set in a future where a flu pandemic has decimated civilization, the novel depicts a world where trains, once integral to human connectivity and progress, are now symbols of resilience and continuity. Mandel’s narrative does not merely use the train as a backdrop; it is a character in itself, a relic of the past, carrying the seeds of a new human culture. The narrative follows a troupe of actors and musicians who travel by train, rekindling the spirit of humanity through art and community. The train, with its rhythmic motion and connection to a bygone era of civilization, serves as a symbol of the enduring human spirit and the hope for a future where humanity might rebuild.
The Train as a Character
Wilson Tucker’s The Long Loud Silence
In Wilson Tucker’s The Long Loud Silence, the train is more than a mode of transport; it plays a pivotal role as a character. Set in a post-apocalyptic America where the eastern half of the country has been devastated by a nuclear attack and biological warfare, the novel’s narrative is driven by the characters’ interactions with a train. This train becomes a symbol of survival and a carrier of hope, providing a sanctuary for the few remaining survivors. The train itself is a character in the narrative, embodying the resilience and adaptability of the human race in the face of overwhelming circumstances.
David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas
David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas features a complexly interwoven narrative with trains prominently featured in the post-apocalyptic storyline. Mitchell brilliantly uses the train as a character, intertwining its presence with the narrative’s exploration of humanity and civilization’s downfall. The train in this narrative is not just a means of transportation but a symbol of the remnants of advanced civilization, a poignant reminder of the past and a vehicle for the few surviving souls to continue their journey. Mitchell’s use of the train underscores the interconnectedness of human stories and the resilience of human nature, even in the most dire of circumstances.
The Impact of Apocalypse Fiction
Social Commentary
Apocalypse fiction often serves as a powerful social commentary on contemporary issues through exaggerated scenarios. Station Eleven, for instance, critiques society’s reliance on technology and its resistance to change, themes that resonate strongly with current discussions around climate change and public health. Similarly, The Long Loud Silence addresses the fear and geopolitical consequences of nuclear warfare, a theme that continues to garner attention in the discourse around disarmament and international relations. These narratives not only entertain but also provoke thought on existential threats and the fragility of human civilization.
Psychological Insights
Apocalypse fiction explores profound mental and emotional states in the face of catastrophic events. In Station Eleven, characters grapple with survival and the search for meaning in a world stripped of its former comforts. The novel delves into the psychological resilience of individuals, demonstrating how they form communities and find purpose in the arts and storytelling. Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas further examines the psyche of humanity under extreme conditions, highlighting the deep-seated human inclination towards storytelling and the retelling of stories as a form of coping mechanism and cultural preservation.
The Power of Storytelling
The narrative power of apocalypse fiction is its ability to explore the human condition through the lens of extreme scenarios. In Station Eleven, the troupe of actors and musicians becomes a beacon of hope, demonstrating the capacity of art to transcend the mundane and offer solace in the face of despair. The novel illustrates the profound impact of storytelling, showing how narratives can provide a framework for understanding the world and our place within it. Similarly, in Cloud Atlas, the interconnected narratives across time highlight the universal human experience, emphasizing that despite the apocalypse, the fundamental essence of human life—our stories, our relationships, and our struggles—remains constant.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored the literary locomotives that have shaped our understanding of the world, it becomes clear that trains have played a significant role in shaping our collective imagination. From the grandeur of 19th-century novels to the gritty realism of contemporary fiction, trains have served as a symbol of progress, freedom, and transformation. The books we’ve examined not only reflect the changing times but also challenge our perceptions of class, identity, and community.
The significance of literary locomotives lies in their ability to capture the spirit of an era, conveying the hopes, fears, and aspirations of a particular moment. As we move forward, it’s essential to recognize the continued relevance of trains as a metaphor for modernity and the human experience. As technology continues to evolve and shape our world, the train’s role as a symbol of innovation and progress will only grow more pronounced. It’s an opportunity for writers to reimagine the train as a symbol of resistance, resilience, and social change.
As we close this chapter on literary locomotives, we’re reminded that the stories we tell about trains are not just about the metal beasts that chug along the tracks, but about the people who ride them, the communities they connect, and the dreams they inspire. The train’s pulse beats with the rhythm of humanity, and it’s up to us to keep the stories of these literary locomotives rolling, fueling our imaginations and propelling us toward a brighter future.