The Death of Grass

By: John Christopher

Narrated by: William Gaminara

Length: 6 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

A viral strain has attacked rice crops in East Asia, causing massive famine; soon a mutation appears that infects the staple crops of West Asia and Europe, such as wheat and barley, threatening a famine engulfing the whole of the Old World, while Australasia and the Americas attempt to impose rigorous quarantine to exclude the virus.

Christopher's classic post-apocalyptic novel follows the struggles of architect John Custance and his family as they make their way across an England that is rapidly descending into anarchy, hoping to reach the safety of John's brother's farm in an isolated Westmorland valley. Along the way, they find they must sacrifice many of their morals in order to stay alive.

Here is an unusual and absorbing piece of science-fiction about the relentless transformation of civilisation when the balance of nature is upset.

©1956 Samuel Youd (P)2011 Audible Ltd

Critic reviews

"I admire The Death of Grass. It was published at roughly the same time as The Day Of The Triffids. In my judgement, it is by far the better book. It is a thrilling and sensible work." (Brian Aldiss)

"Gripping! Of all science fiction's apocalypses, this is one of the most haunting." ( Financial Times)

good Read

good storyline very good Read well Worth the time .makes you think about how dependent we are on grass.

Surprising Rediscovery

This book has haunted me since I read it as a young teen many decades ago. It came into my hands as an item from the Science Fiction Book Club subscription series. Sheltered, innocent for my age, I knew that I didn't understand certain aspects of the book. Perhaps some of my appreciation now comes from filling in those blanks. But I expected something else, something raggeder, less concise and unflinching. I recognize here the obvious origins of McCarthy"s THE ROAD as well as several recent post-apocalypse films. This is anything but a young adult book. It is a small masterpiece.

Decent and unique story, excellent narration!

The story is interesting and oddly prophetic in a few ways, though I do feel like there could have been a few more chapters. Overall, decent book and excellent narration with believable voices and smooth, conversational reading.

Death of Grass

More satisfying than the scent of freshly mowed grass, The Death of Grass isa an audiobook you'll find yourself listening to your driveway 10 minutes after you've pulled up to your house.

A New Virus: Imaginative & Very Believable Novel

I first read ``The Death of Grass'' in the early 1970's when it was reprinted as a ``Science Fiction Classic.'' The book is indeed a Classic and I enjoyed listening to it in 2020 as much as I enjoyed reading it some 40 years ago.
The author explores the impact on modern society when a new virus attacks grasses worldwide. How quickly society crumbles in panic and what an ``average man'' does to protect his family and those that are attracted to him because of his leadership.
The narrator, William Gaminara, does wonderful work on assuming the distinct accents of a variety characters.
``The Death of Grass'' also stands as an introduction to the future world as portrayed in the recently published ``The Second Sleep by Robert Harris.

If it was suggested, you must read it.

One of the best apocalypse fictions I've ever listened too. Will be reading it again. Puts even the film the day after to shame.

Great idea, hasn’t aged well

I liked the premise of the book and I’m sure it has value as being an early influencer for the post-disaster / survivor genre. But the post disaster world and the way everyone seems to consensus accept new social norms seems a stretch. The characters are unidimensional and there is far too much sexism in the portrayals. Perhaps it was very good in its day, but it isn’t now. There’s some enjoyment to be had from the book, but it is limited.

Travel into hunger

With a fast paced plot and a harrowing journey I flew through this listen, I found the action well done, I could have done with more world building, definitely worth the listen.

Never having to mow the lawn again

John Christopher's The Death of Grass is a 50's era post-apocalyptic tale that is more whimper than a bang. A mysterious plant disease after grass and subsequently all the grains derived from them. The disease starts in Asia and England is spared initially with an expectation that a treatment will be found in time. The 'cures' are only temporary and soon England is affected reducing foods to mostly potatoes. Plans arise to nuc large cities to reduce the population and a small band head out to make it to a brothers' farm. Along the way they encounter many obstacles as well as picking up more travelers. Slowly, the civilized world is left behind.

Christopher crafts a credible scenario for a global pandemic but affecting plants instead of people. As the story progresses, the ethics and morals of 20th century England are slowly eroded until it finally becomes a them or us situation. Along the way, there is much introspection on lifestyle and the new normal.

The narration is quite good with reasonable character distinction and a quick pace for a short listen.

Great post-apocalyptic story

I am a big fan of post-apocalyptic stories, and this one's a banger. The way the characters change over the course of the story never feels forced, and they change quite a bit. Great story and the narration is excellent.