"Mrs. Livarot and something like a Penguin or a cruise at the end of time" by Carsten Bloh is a satirical novel about the end time scenario, its main character, and the different characters that are part of the voyage.
The story is centered on the cruise ship "Jafet" drifting under the waves in the depths of the sea. On board, people relax, play tennis, enjoy their meals, or have a glass of wine. Their routine is interrupted by a catastrophe that destroys all life on Earth. Gradually, the stores of food on board become sparse, conversation runs low, and eventually, everything takes a turn for the worse. In this bleak setting, an orphan girl named Ingrid Marie, just released from the care of Mrs. Livaro, is given her place at the table. She becomes the center of attention among the passengers, as she brings a little color into the dullness of their lives.
Marie had been raised in poverty and enjoys her new-found prospects on the ship thanks to her guardian, Livaro. However, Livaro has his own plans for her future and prefers to see her marry her nephew Romadour.
Throughout the novel, Bloch draws parallels between the characters, depicting their naivety and empty chatter. Even pirates, philosophers, queens, monkeys, and other types from folklore join the party that explores the failure of humanity and its legacy. Bloch's social commentary will make you laugh and cry
На судне «Jafet», бороздящем необъятный океан, все развлекаются: играют в теннис, вкушают яства в ресторанах. А это оказывается не так просто, как того хотелось бы — страшная катастрофа расколола континенты и уничтожила всё живое. Запасы провизии тают на глазах. Последний удар наносит и исчерпание обсуждений за ужином. Поэтому прибытие потерпевшей кораблекрушение Ингрид Мари нарушает однообразие повседневного общения и спасает вечернюю беседу. Новая пассажирка, выросшая в нищете Мари, по достоинству оценила своё новое существование на корабле и влюбилась в корабельного кока Джеймса Грива. Но у миссис Ливарот свои планы на любимого протеже, она бы предпочла женить его на своём многообещающем племяннике Ромадуре…
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