The Second Sleep

Okay, here's the thing, I liked reading this book. But upon completing it I am left to wonder: what was the point of all this?

First of all, I picked this book up thinking it was a historical fiction and then around chapter 3 I discovered that it is actually a post apocalyptic fiction (I wouldn't call it science-fiction as there's not much science going on). Which was such a nice surprise and I was so ready for it.
The book discusses some very interesting ideas and speculates on possibilities that surely trouble a lot of us.
And it was all done in a setting so remote to what we are used to associate with these subjects - I was very intrigued.
There was also this spirit of discovery and adventure, plus mystery, combined with certain archetypes that reminded me somewhat of The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (minus the dinosaurs).
Needless to say, I was enjoying myself quite a lot.

But upon reaching the conclusion of this story, I am left underwhelmed and quite disappointed. The ending frankly leaves the impression of directionlessness.

There were so many plot points that lead nowhere For example, what was the point of Rose not speaking or being Tom Lacy's daughter at all? The book would've been way better if Rose was not in the book at all and Agnes carried her plot points. What was the point of the Piggeries trip? Of the blacksmith's son taking so much money to deliver a letter. What was the point of the letter at all?? What was the point of the drama with Captain Hancock? So many things were injected and overdramatised creating anticipation, only to end up nowhere.
So many questions remained unanswered. Like what's with the two sleeps? Why is there a first and a second sleep as a tradition? We discovered nothing of how the world actually "ended". We learned close to nothing really.

Basically, the author had a great idea and in the confines of writing, executed it quite well. But his story ended up lacking direction and, in my opinion, general meaning in the end.

Still, as the book made me think quite a lot and I generally enjoyed my reading experience, I am giving it 3 ⭐️.