Exploring ‘Upon This Rock Book 4: Our Townish’ – A Unique Blend of Speculative Fiction and Post-Apocalyptic Survival

“Upon This Rock Book 4: Our Townish”
By David Marusek; A Stack of Firewood Press, 2024; 452 pages; $22.95 paper, $9.99 electronic.

In the 21st century, the Pilgrim Family, the inspiration for the Prophecy Family in David Marusek’s “Upon This Rock” series, faces a fractured America. The series concludes at a critical point in history where the nation risks collapse.

Book 4, “Our Townish,” blends speculative elements with post-apocalyptic themes. The story is set in McHardy, reflecting Marusek’s experiences in McCarthy, where the Prophecy Family battles an oppressive government, led by their abusive patriarch. The narrative follows ranger Jace Kuliak and Deuteronomy (Deut), one of the Prophecy daughters, whose romance develops amidst the chaos.

The previous books introduced threads of satire, but this volume shifts focus. It opens with an Apocalypse triggered by an alien planet, Pipnonia, colliding with Earth, leading to destruction. Many characters perish, but they are not lost forever; they return as “strivers,” robot replicants inhabited by the souls of the deceased.

The town lies in ruin, and survivors face a bleak world. Modern conveniences are lost, and contact with the outside world has vanished. The few remaining townspeople must rebuild society from rubble. Deut initially leads a community grounded in socialism, but as various factions emerge, order breaks down. Jace grapples with his atheism and love for Deut, prompting a quest for faith.

Marusek explores community rebuilding, depicting struggles over food and resources. Conflicts arise, and Deut’s teachings face challenges from the more organized Pastor Bunyan, who navigates emerging power dynamics. As tensions grow, characters must find ways to cooperate.

“Our Townish” wraps the series with character-driven outcomes rather than action. Forgiveness and collaboration guide the narrative towards a hopeful conclusion. Marusek’s ending, grounded in past experiences, suggests ways to move forward through division. Readers are left with a sense of growth and resolution after a complex journey.

This book achieves a balance between engaging storytelling and straightforward expression, ensuring clarity and accessibility for the reader.