There are two great things about this book. The main character is a man currently called Conrad. He isn't normal. For instance, he seems to be centuries old and somewhat magical. He plays with this, never confirming anything and always deflecting questions. Conrad also talks in the hard-boiled fashion of a noir detective.
The second great thing is the setting. Earth is post nuclear and the remaining population numbers only a few million. They live mostly on islands, specifically in this book in the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas. Humanity has encountered another race and they're threatening to buy the remaining parts of Earth.
Actually there is a third great thing about this book. In the words of my favorite little stuffed bull, it's fun!
'...And Call Me Conrad' (also released as 'This Immortal') tied for the 1966 Hugo award with 'Dune'. Needless to say, it's not nearly as well remembered. This doesn't have nearly the epic feel of 'Dune' but I enjoyed it more. That's strictly personal taste, of course but there are very few post-apocalyptic novels that are fun to read. A very good book.
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