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The White Plague

Frank Herbert

Why we're reading this: The White Plague, a marvelous and terrifyingly plausible blend of fiction and visionary theme, tells of o…more
[close] The White Plague, a marvelous and terrifyingly plausible blend of fiction and visionary theme, tells of one man who is pushed over the edge of sanity by the senseless murder of his family and who, reappearing several months later as the so-called Madman, unleashes a terrible plague upon the human race---one that zeros in, unerringly and fatally, on women.

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What Members Thought

Jan 09, 2009 Rachel rated it it was ok

I usually like apocalyptic books but this one was too long, too technical, and too male centered. A scientist traveling in Ireland goes nuts after watching his wife and kids get blown up in an IRA bomb and creates a virus that kills women and releases it in Ireland, Libya, Britain and the U.S. because they cause or tolerate terrorists. 100% mortality rate for those infected and it spreads quickly. The text was too technical. The cast was too big and based on the plot there were almost no female ...more

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Feb 07, 2014 Katherine rated it really liked it

Shelves: post-apocalyptic-phase

The writing is really eloquent and interesting. Much higher quality than typical "post apocalyptic" novels. ...more

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Nov 04, 2011 Jan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, at-library

I actually quite enjoyed this semi-appocalyptic novel of a world where women are an endangred species. I did, however, find the ending to be a little weak. If you like bio-warfare and an examination of what could happen in a society where a plague targetted at half the population, then you will enjoy this book. You'll also find some rather interesting insight into the Ireland of the 80s. The characters are believable for the most part, and you might be surprised to find yourself rooting for the ...more

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Jan 02, 2020 Ariel rated it really liked it

Shelves: science-fiction

This was my first non-Dune Frank Herbert novel, and it was really good!
A new take on an old apocalypse story, and turned the "villain" concept on it's head, which I found very refreshing. ...more

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Jun 30, 2010 Jane rated it it was ok

Shelves: dystopia

By far the most boring end-of-the-world book I have ever read. The concept of the plague was brilliant. Unfortunately, it was told in such a way that I could not have cared less.

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