The Passage

Adapted from Saricks, Joyce G. and Nancy Brown. Readers= Advisory Service in the Public Library 2nd.  Chicago: ALA, 1997.

Author:  Justin Cronin
Title:  The Passage  
Publication Date: 2010

Number of Pages: 766
Part of a Series: the first in a triology
Subject Heading(s): Science fiction, literary fantasy
Geographical Setting/ Time Period: western United States, the near future and following 100 years

Main Character(s): 

• Amy - a six year old abandoned child who is deliberately infected with an experimental virus by the US military
• Peter - a survivor of the collapse of American civilization
• Alicia - a survivor of the collapse but by temperament and training, an advocate of the military establishment
• The 12 - survivors of the experiment who are the instigators of the collapse

Plot Summary: This is another apocolyptic novel of the American future. Poor choices are made in regard to gene manipulations and experimentation. Containment fails and chaos ensues. A savior emerges 100 years later with a cure for the horrifying virus.

Appeal: The storyline is character-driven and often bleak. The reader may feel the exhaustion and depression that the characters exhibit. The author is able to generate suspense with his compelling style.

Prizes or Awards: The book received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly and Library Journal. It made it to Library Journals Top 10 List for 2010.

Similar Works: Similar works include Stephen King's Cell and Dan Simmo' Carrion Comfort.

Reviewer’s Name: Nancy Rimassa

The Passage