The Revivalists

A Novel

By: Christopher M. Hood

Narrated by: Gary Bennett

“The Revivalists is a thrilling, terrifying, surprising, and tender debut, written in such exquisitely precise prose that I felt singed by its imaginary fires and warmed by its beating heart. Chris Hood's nightmarish cross-country family odyssey is also one of the most beautiful love stories I've ever read.”—Karen Russell, bestselling author of Swamplandia! and Orange World

A stunning debut novel about a couple’s harrowing journey across a ravaged America to save their daughter.

Bill and Penelope are the lucky ones. Not only do they survive the Shark Flu emerging from the melting Icelandic permafrost to sweep like a scythe across the world, but they begin to rebuild a life in the wreckage of the old. A garden to feed themselves planted where the lawn used to be, a mattress pulled down to the living room fireplace for warmth. Even Bill’s psychology practice endures the collapse of the social order, the handful of remaining clients bartering cans of food for their sessions. But when their daughter’s voice over the radio in the kitchen announces that she’s joined a cult three thousand miles away in Bishop, California, they leave it all behind to embark on a perilous trek across the hollowed-out remains of America to save her.

Their journey is an unforgettable odyssey through communities scattered across the continent, but for all the ways that the world has changed, the hopes and fears of this little family remain the same as they always have been. In The Revivalists, Christopher M. Hood creates a haunting, moving, darkly funny, and ultimately hopeful portrait of a world and a marriage tested by extraordinary circumstances.

Excellent listen

Different than many others. Unique, fascinating, exciting, and detailed. Really enjoyed it. Hoping for another just like it.

Different twist

This story does not have the usual blood and gore which is the menu of apocalyptic novels. Dwells into the psyches of the individuals and their singular quest. I’d give it a 4.5 rating. I would read another of author’s books if he writes one.

Easy and Fun

Awesome realistic post-apocalyptic story with great twists and turns. Would love to find similar stories.

Great storytelling. The narraration is perfect.

I loved that this story had you on the edge of your seat in a chronological rollercoaster of twists and turns.

Wonderful

It was so refreshing to listen to a post apocalyptic stories that isn’t some redneck right wing fantasy about a bunch of grown men running around with ar15s and playing army
This is a thoughtful story about relationships and loving your children