The Wall Paperback – June 11, 2013

I can’t seem to figure out why so many are using gender as a main point of focus when describing this novel. The editorial review called it, "ecofeminist". It does take place in a natural setting and the protagonist is a woman, but I wouldn't say the main focus of this book is gender equality or environmental preservation. In my opinion this book is about the effects of apocalyptic isolation on the human psyche while surviving in the wilderness on limited resources. Animal companionship is another major theme. The wilderness usually treats both sexes the same, so do animals, and I can imagine any realist, man or woman, going through the same thought patterns she describes in her report.The Wall seems to be mostly categorized as science fiction. While I don’t necessarily disagree with that classification, I can see how it might mislead the audience’s expectations. The displeased reviewers seem to criticize the lack of sci-fi action. I personally thought that surviving in the wilderness on limited supplies was action enough. Some of the negative reviews also noted the repetition of the chores. I think it was the author’s intent to use repetition in the novel to demonstrate how it might aid in the preservation of one’s sanity in an extreme situation. That being said, I somewhat agree that the book was overly repetitive and that’s why I subtracted a star. Other than that, I thought this book was mesmerizing. I would recommend this book to people who prefer introspection as opposed to a heart pounding plot. I would also recommend this to people who love animals and can deal with the hunting or people that enjoy existential musings.

It is difficult to describe this booka nameless woman finds herself the only living person contained by an invisible wall from the rest of the world in which everyone else is dead. Something happened to kill everyone else in the world, but for some reason an invisible wall surrounds this one area in which she - and the animals contained therein - still liveThe book is her story of how she lives from day to day. It is slow moving. She develops a strong bond with the animals in her life - a cat, a dog named Lynx, and a cow named Bella - who is pregnant with a calf. Keeping the animals alive and taken care of is her impetus to live each dayThere is no sense that this woman is self pitying. If anything she seems to grow, and learn not only how to create a livable environment for herself, but one for her companions, keeping them warm, safe and occasionally breeding. I believe she discovers a strength within herself that she did know that she had before. She discovers who she really is, deep inside at the core.I do have to admit, I did not like the way it ended. I had nightmares about the sadness I had felt for the ending

Beautiful, thought provoking story.

A very interesting book that offers a lot of food for thought, especially regarding one's fundamental identity and one's relationship to nature and other species. Some themes are similar to those in the movie "Castaway".Some might get hung up on exactly what "the wall" is and how it got there, but that is not really the point of the book. It is only a device for exploring more interesting ideas.The movie is excellent too.

The Wall is an amazing read. Find yourself in a world that few of us would contemplate as happening to us. Relish the way this woman responds to an unexplainable and life-shattering circumstance. A spiritual book, really. What happens when ego gives way to something greater, what is the real practice of acceptance, and just how do women respond differently to the unknown and unexpected. A great book and a great movie too!Morgana MorgaineAuthor, Borderless Broads, New Adventures for the Midlife Woman

How does a story about a woman, one dog, one cow, one bull, and a mess of kittens become a page turner? Haushofer has conjured a story with very little plot, but much to think about. Page turning is what I did for days, savoring. Ignore the comments about feminism. This is a very human tale.

I read this book many years ago. Just felt the need to reread it. Loved it all over again.

Incredible book. If you want to explore loneliness, isolation or the reason for being alive, this book will help bring quiet contemplation of those subjects and more. It is a peaceful and slow journey, some may find it too slow. The movie is also excellent and how I cam to find the book.