This is literature at its finest - McCarthy's command of language, rhythm, plot, character development and post-apocalyptic vision have stayed with me for years since reading this book - one that I will read over and over. The devotion of the father to the son - the ethical core of both father and son - is what inspires. The dark lyricism - the starkness - are what haunts. Can't recommend enough. Buy it. Read it. Keep it.