An ‘After-the-Bomb’ story told by teenage Danny, one of the survivors – one of the unlucky ones. Set in Shipley, an ordinary town in the north of England, this is a powerful portrayal of a world that has broken down. Danny not only has to cope in a world of lawlessness and gang warfare, but he has to protect and look after his little brother, Ben, and a girl called Kim. Is there any hope left for a new world?
Robert Swindells’ Brother in the Land is a much-loved story of survival, first published in 1984, with a post-apocalyptic setting.
This powerful story plunges the reader into a world shattered by nuclear war, tapping into public fears that are still as prevalent today as they were when it was first published during the Cold War. The story follows Danny Lodge and his younger brother as he navigates the grim aftermath of a nuclear bomb, his hometown now a scene of devastation and emptiness.
Without the comforts and safety of civilised society, Danny contends with a landscape where danger abounds – including the impact of radiation and the inevitability of human selfishness. Meanwhile, his efforts to protect his sibling are admirable as he strives not to give up hope. The narrative is an unflinching look at human responses to the fight for survival.
Brother in the Land is a stark and highly memorable adventure, recommended for Year 9.
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Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?
yes
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