I first read Camp of the Saints about ten years ago. I have read it three more times. It is, as another reviewer wrote "a joke without a punchline." Raspail is a a literary genius. His description of the end of civilization reminds me of Kurt Vonnegut's Galapagos. There is a dark humor that resonates through both tales, a harbinger of doom that the reader knows she cannot escape from, but like a train wreck cannot turn away. You will not finish his book and feel good. As a matter of fact, you will feel the gloom for days. Raspail was railed for his execution of this novel. It is politically incorrect. It condemns the modern fools who preach brotherly love but suffer from a deadly form of NIMBY (not in my back yard). As the filthy dilapidated fleet of dying Ganges inhabitants sails towards their new Nirvana, the loving arms of the liberal love mongers push them away- "not here- there is more for you over there..." This is a must read.