SAINT LEIBOWITZ AND THE WILD HORSE WOMAN

'''Saint Leibowitz and the Wild Horse Woman''' (1997) is a science fiction novel and a continuity insert 'sequel' to Walter M. Miller, Jr.'s 1959 book ''A Canticle for Leibowitz''. Miller wrote the greater part of the 'sequel' before his death in 1996, and it was completed from his outline by Terry Bisson.
The novel is set chronologically some eighty years after the events of the second novella in Miller's original novel, "Fiat Lux" (c. 3254 CE). As the third novella within the earlier novel, "Fiat Voluntas Tua" is set over six centuries later (3781 CE), and the Abbey of Saint Leibowitz is now situated within a consolidated (albeit constitutional) ''Empire'' of Texarkana, this novel should perhaps be seen as an insert within the narrative sequence of the earlier novel, rather than as a sequel per se.
In the novel, the city of New Rome has been captured and destroyed by the power of the Texark state. The Papacy, now in exile from New Rome, now lives in the city of Valana. The story chronicles the plan of a worldly deacon and his followers to unite the remaining independent nations in North America against the Texark Empire, and to restore power to the Church.

Contents

Plot summary

References

Plot summary

The main character of the novel is Brother Blacktooth "Nimmy" St. George, a monk at Leibowitz Abbey. Brother Blacktooth, a former Nomad, is fluent both in Nomadic and Churchspeak. Unsatisfied with his job as a translator of ancient texts, Nimmy becomes increasingly restless. Nimmy's reputation as a misfit compels the Abbot of Leibowitz to seek his expulsion from the order, and while his unique talents attract the attention of the visiting Cardinal Elia Brownpony (aka Red Deacon). Brownpony requires a translator in his travels, and decides to enlist Nimmy's services.
Soon afterward, the reigning Pope dies, and a conclave of cardinals is called to elect a new one. Brownpony and Nimmy set off to the conclave, along with Brownpony's other servants: Wooshin (aka "Axe"), a mysterious warrior from the Orient; and Chur Hongan (aka "Holy Madness"), his Nomadic driver. Upon arriving at Arch Hollow on the way to Valana, they are accosted by genetically handicapped Nomads. The Nomads are quickly subdued. Among them, Nimmy has occasion to meet AEdrea, a beautiful mutant who is able to pass for healthy. The two fall in love, despite the fact that both are forbidden to mate. The group continues to Valana without her, and Nimmy is prohibited from seeing her again.

References

★ How Terry Bisson completed the Novel