On the Beach

Terrifying. Every hope of survival of mankind is slowly, inexorably extinguished.

You have to read carefully and a bit between the lines to get the full situation. Shute doesn't spell it out, but keeps up a dry understatement. Keep calm and carry on. People keep living their lives as best they can. Plant flowers. Buy a playpen for a child. Learn shorthand.

Get cyanide pills.

This novel used to be a must read until the end of the Cold War. It still should be.

Highly recommended.