The story's plot is what would have happened if the cold war had resulted in using nuclear weapons. It shows how a materialistic society, like the one during the cold war (1950-1989) would react if they were suddenly robbed of most of their luxuries. Randy, a strong and brave, hardened as things got tough. Randy played the part of the hero, stepping up when he was needed and willing to help everyone else.

However Randy was not the only hero in this story. Dan, the town doctor and a close friend of Randy's, was caring and honorable throughout the book. Even faced with robbers and killers terrorizing the street he refused to take a man's life. Near the end of the story he fell in love with Helen, who needed the support and love of a relationship; fell in love with him too. Helen was also a great...