[1] Set in Colorado after the world's population has been ravaged by a pandemic, a man lives a lonesome existence in an airplane hangar with his dog and a dour gunman he has befriended.

"[7] The Boston Globe also had praise for the novel, stating, "Peter Heller serves up an insightful account of physical, mental, and spiritual survival unfolded in dramatic and often lyrical prose, a difficult tale in which unexpected hope persistently flickers amid darkness.

"[6] On November 8, 2024, it was announced that Ridley Scott would direct a film adaptation of the novel for 20th Century Studios from a screenplay by Mark L. Smith, with Jacob Elordi as lead.

Elordi replaces Paul Mescal, who had previously worked with Scott on Gladiator II, and production is expected to begin in spring 2025.

[8] Variety reported on February 12, 2025 that Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley and Guy Pearce had also been cast in the project.