4
Jul012009
BOOK REVIEW: ‘I Am Legend’ by Richard Matheson
by Carolyn • Posted in 5 Star Reviews, Authors M-P, Book Reviews, Horror, Reviews by Carolyn, Richard Matheson
Title: I Am Legend
Author: Richard Matheson
Publisher: Gollancz
Publication Date: 2001 (originally published 1956)
Paperback: 160 pages
Genre: Horror
Source: Bought
Reviewed by: Carolyn
RATING: 10/10
SUMMARY:
Robert Neville is the last living man on Earth.. but he is not alone. Every other man, woman and child on the planet has become a vampire, and they are hungry for Neville’s blood. By day he is the hunter, stalking the undead through the ruins of civilisation. By night, he barricades himself in his home and prays for the dawn. How long can one man survive like this?
REVIEW:
“I Am Legend” is a horror novel involving vampires and although it was written in the 1950′s, it is written in such a way that it would fit in well with today’s graphic culture.
The story is told in the third person about a man called Robert Neville who seems to be the last human on earth. Not only does the author describe the characters fear and disgust of the creatures but also his immense loneliness and despair. The instinct to remain alive is intense and between bouts of alcohol induced blackouts, Neville obsesses over finding a cure to what he believes is a disease.
“I Am Legend” is full of tension and you will the character to live and find the cure he is searching for. It is not just a horror story but a portrayal of the human spirit and how the instinct to stay alive is strong, no matter what the odds. The ending is sad, abrupt and totally unpredictable.
VERDICT:
I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it.
The movie is nothing like the book and the ending is totally different. If you haven’t seen the movie then read the book first it is so much better.
You can find out more about the author here:
4 Comments
This is in my top 3 books – I absolutely love it! I first read it when I was about 12, my Dad gave me his old copy he bought in the 70's. My obsession with Buffy had just started, and so he thought I'd enjoy this.
I've read it many times.. amazing book, and great review!
P.S. – If you liked this, you should try The Shrinking Man by Richard Matheson. And Stir of Echoes. Both very good!
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One of my favourite books to read. Encompasses everything that is so great about the scifi/horror genre.
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I thought this book was really great. And, one of the things I particularly noticed it doesn't really contain any text that will 'age' it. The author manages to avoid describing fashions, music, programmes and this means the book will never feel outdated. Also, I loved the ending.
Lynn
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I've only seen the movie and i thought it was good so i decided to get the book. Thank goodness the ending to the book wasn't the same as the movie. Reading it will definitely be another exciting experience.
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