One such book could be 'On the Beach' by Nevil Shute. Although it doesn't specifically focus on an old woman as the main character, it does depict the aftermath of a nuclear war on various characters, including women. The story shows how people come to terms with the impending doom in a post - nuclear war world.
Often, these books tend to be quite bleak. They show the harsh reality of a post - nuclear war world. The old women characters in them might be symbols of the past that is now lost. For example, they could remember the world before the war and contrast it with the desolate present. Their stories are usually about survival and how they adapt to the new, often unforgiving environment.
As of now, I can't recall a very famous book that directly features an old woman in a nuclear war setting. However, some books about nuclear war might have minor characters who are old women. For instance, in some stories, an old woman could be a survivor in a bombed - out city, representing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of such a disaster.
There is also 'Z for Zachariah' which is about a young woman who believes she may be the only survivor of a nuclear war. It was written around that time period and delves into themes of isolation, survival, and the human spirit in the face of such a cataclysm. It gives a good look at how a female character copes in a post - nuclear world.
In my opinion, 'Alas, Babylon' is a top choice. It's a very detailed account of how a community tries to function after a nuclear attack. It has elements of resource management, human relationships, and the rebuilding of a sort of society, which makes it really engaging.
One great fiction book in this genre is 'On the Beach' by Nevil Shute. It depicts the aftermath of a nuclear war and the hopelessness that follows. The story shows how different characters deal with the impending doom, and it also gives some insights into the possible use of underground shelters, though not as a main focus.
In fiction, nuclear war is often depicted as a cataclysmic event. For example, in 'On the Beach', it shows the slow and inevitable doom that follows a nuclear exchange. The world is left desolate, with survivors facing not only the lack of resources but also the psychological trauma.
In science fiction, 'A Canticle for Leibowitz' is also related to nuclear war. It's set in a future where the knowledge of the pre - nuclear age has been lost and rediscovered over centuries. The story shows how society tries to rebuild after a nuclear apocalypse, with the Catholic Church playing a central role in preserving knowledge. It's complex and makes you think about the cycle of civilization.
They have also influenced the anti - nuclear movement. Novels like 'Alas, Babylon' made people think about the importance of peace and the need to avoid such a catastrophe. By showing the chaos and destruction at a local level, it became easier for people to relate to the global implications.