I picked this book up because it was on a recent science fiction list.

Like many other reviewers, I'm not sure what happened. Was Harry never there? Was he there and met his demise? Was there truly one resident left in the building? What the heck happened with Claudia and Michel and Mr Otokos suit after the bath? So many questions.

Six resupplies and they never checked out the lobby kitchen for food or towels? Furthermore, never looked out a window from above to survey damage?

But I truly loved the short dialogues between Harry and Michel. I clearly saw Christoph Waltz as Harry, complete with walnut aroma. I cowered with The Guard over those gruesome and graphic chapters. What do we make of his porcelain cats indeed? Perhaps a statement about susceptibility and suggestion in small groups and maintaining individual thoughts in the face of catastrophe. Dark, but I wouldn't say darkly funny. Just dark.

My final plot synopsis--spoiler alert--



Harry and Michel really killed their third guard. Harry was murdered by Michel but how? When? I'm inclined to think nothing happened in the city. The manure scent I took to be real and there was no sign of disarray from the upper floors.

Michels commitment to the Organization was total and terrifying.

This book was kinda labyrinthic in a story and plot sense but I enjoyed the characters.