The story behind
Wool is incredible yet increasingly commonplace. This series of science-fiction survival stories were first self-published through Amazon. Having found success there (author Hugh Howey claims to have earned six-figure sums most months), the publishers came calling, followed by filmmaker Ridley Scott. Finally, British actress Susannah Harker was hired to read the audiobook. This is a classic, meaty if not especially original, post-apocalyptic adventure set in a polluted future. Poisoned by the air on the earth's surface, humankind has sought refuge underground in a vast silo called the Silo. People live suspended between endurance and desperation, law and disorder: there is a sheriff, a body of priests, and a mayor called Marnes. The world retains interest for some - not least our heroine, Juliette, a curious mechanic. Harker reads clearly and elegantly - but perhaps a little too clearly for this dark, dystopian look at the future of our planet and people. I enjoyed
Wool, which unravelled pleasantly to its apparently unfinished ending.
