The Last Place on Earth By: Jim Harmon (1933-2010)
In Jim Harmon's gripping novel, The Last Place on Earth, readers are transported to a world that is simultaneously familiar and unsettlingly different. Set in a near-future where global warming has reshaped the planet, Harmon creates a vivid and atmospheric world that feels both haunting and believable. The narrative follows a diverse group of characters who find themselves entwined in the last remaining untouched wilderness on Earth—a mysterious, isolated island that has somehow managed to evade the harsh consequences of climate change. As the world desperately clings to survival amidst rising sea levels and catastrophic weather conditions, this last oasis becomes the subject of fascination, hope, and desperation. Harmon skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, each offering a unique perspective on the island's allure and the consequences of human desire. From an ambitious journalist seeking to expose the island's secrets to a group of desperate survivors looking for refuge, the characters provide a multi-layered exploration of human nature and the lengths people are willing to go to secure their own survival. One of the novel's strengths lies in Harmon's ability to create a strong sense of atmosphere. The island is described in vivid detail, with lush landscapes and strange wildlife that feel genuinely otherworldly. The author's attention to detail possesses a cinematic quality, immersing readers in this strange new world where danger lurks in both the known and unknown. Another notable aspect of The Last Place on Earth is the moral and ethical dilemmas it presents. As characters grapple with their motivations and the price they must pay for their actions, the line between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred. Harmon raises thought-provoking questions about the lengths one should go to protect what is most important to them, leaving readers pondering their own values and priorities. Moreover, Harmon's prose is lyrical and evocative, enhancing the overall reading experience. His descriptive language draws readers into the heart of every scene, evoking emotions and establishing a deep connection with the characters. The pacing is well-executed, ensuring a balance between action-packed sequences and introspective moments, allowing readers to become fully engaged with the narrative. While The Last Place on Earth is a gripping and thought-provoking novel, it does have a few minor drawbacks. Some readers might find certain plot twists predictable, and at times, the sheer number of characters can be overwhelming, making it challenging to fully connect with each of their stories. Additionally, the ending could have benefited from a bit more closure, with some loose threads left untied. Overall, The Last Place on Earth by Jim Harmon is a compelling and immersive novel that offers a unique take on the consequences of climate change and the indomitable human spirit. Harmon's vivid storytelling and his nuanced exploration of morality make for an enthralling read that will leave readers reflecting on the fragility of our planet and the resilience of the human race. First Page: Naturally an undertaker will get the last word. But shouldn't he wait until his clients are dead? THE LAST PLACE ON EARTH By JIM HARMON Illustrated by Gaughan I Sam Collins flashed the undertaker a healthy smile, hoping it wouldn't depress old Candle too much. He saluted. The skeletal figure in endless black nodded gravely, and took hold of Sam Collins' arm with a death grip. "I'm going to bury you, Sam Collins," the undertaker said. The tall false fronts of Main Street spilled out a lake of shadow, a canal of liquid heat that soaked through the iron weave of Collins' jeans and turned into black ink stains. The old window of the hardware store showed its age in soft wrinkles, ripples that had caught on fire in the sunset. Collins felt the twilight stealing under the arms of his tee shirt. The overdue hair on the back of his rangy neck stood up in attention. It was a joke, but the first one Collins had ever known Doc Candle to make. "In time, I guess you'll bury me all right, Doc." "In my time, not yours, Earthling." "Earthling?" Collins repeated the last word. The old man frowned. His face was a collection of lines. When he frowned, all the lines pointed to hell, the grave, decay and damnation. "Earthling," the undertaker repeated. "Earthman? Terrestrial? Solarian? Space Ranger? Homo sapiens? " Collins decided Candle was sure in a jokey mood... Continue reading book >>

The Last Place on Earth By: Jim Harmon (1933-2010)

In Jim Harmon's gripping novel, The Last Place on Earth, readers are transported to a world that is simultaneously familiar and unsettlingly different. Set in a near-future where global warming has reshaped the planet, Harmon creates a vivid and atmospheric world that feels both haunting and believable.

The narrative follows a diverse group of characters who find themselves entwined in the last remaining untouched wilderness on Earth—a mysterious, isolated island that has somehow managed to evade the harsh consequences of climate change. As the world desperately clings to survival amidst rising sea levels and catastrophic weather conditions, this last oasis becomes the subject of fascination, hope, and desperation.

Harmon skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, each offering a unique perspective on the island's allure and the consequences of human desire. From an ambitious journalist seeking to expose the island's secrets to a group of desperate survivors looking for refuge, the characters provide a multi-layered exploration of human nature and the lengths people are willing to go to secure their own survival.

One of the novel's strengths lies in Harmon's ability to create a strong sense of atmosphere. The island is described in vivid detail, with lush landscapes and strange wildlife that feel genuinely otherworldly. The author's attention to detail possesses a cinematic quality, immersing readers in this strange new world where danger lurks in both the known and unknown.

Another notable aspect of The Last Place on Earth is the moral and ethical dilemmas it presents. As characters grapple with their motivations and the price they must pay for their actions, the line between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred. Harmon raises thought-provoking questions about the lengths one should go to protect what is most important to them, leaving readers pondering their own values and priorities.

Moreover, Harmon's prose is lyrical and evocative, enhancing the overall reading experience. His descriptive language draws readers into the heart of every scene, evoking emotions and establishing a deep connection with the characters. The pacing is well-executed, ensuring a balance between action-packed sequences and introspective moments, allowing readers to become fully engaged with the narrative.

While The Last Place on Earth is a gripping and thought-provoking novel, it does have a few minor drawbacks. Some readers might find certain plot twists predictable, and at times, the sheer number of characters can be overwhelming, making it challenging to fully connect with each of their stories. Additionally, the ending could have benefited from a bit more closure, with some loose threads left untied.

Overall, The Last Place on Earth by Jim Harmon is a compelling and immersive novel that offers a unique take on the consequences of climate change and the indomitable human spirit. Harmon's vivid storytelling and his nuanced exploration of morality make for an enthralling read that will leave readers reflecting on the fragility of our planet and the resilience of the human race.

First Page:

Naturally an undertaker will get the last word. But shouldn't he wait until his clients are dead?

THE LAST PLACE ON EARTH

By JIM HARMON

Illustrated by Gaughan

Sam Collins flashed the undertaker a healthy smile, hoping it wouldn't depress old Candle too much. He saluted. The skeletal figure in endless black nodded gravely, and took hold of Sam Collins' arm with a death grip.

"I'm going to bury you, Sam Collins," the undertaker said.

The tall false fronts of Main Street spilled out a lake of shadow, a canal of liquid heat that soaked through the iron weave of Collins' jeans and turned into black ink stains. The old window of the hardware store showed its age in soft wrinkles, ripples that had caught on fire in the sunset. Collins felt the twilight stealing under the arms of his tee shirt. The overdue hair on the back of his rangy neck stood up in attention. It was a joke, but the first one Collins had ever known Doc Candle to make.

"In time, I guess you'll bury me all right, Doc."

"In my time, not yours, Earthling."

"Earthling?" Collins repeated the last word.

The old man frowned. His face was a collection of lines. When he frowned, all the lines pointed to hell, the grave, decay and damnation.

"Earthling," the undertaker repeated. "Earthman? Terrestrial? Solarian? Space Ranger? Homo sapiens? "

Collins decided Candle was sure in a jokey mood... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Science
Short stories

eBook links
Wikipedia – Jim Harmon
Wikipedia – The Last Place on Earth

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