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3.26 AVERAGE
3.26 AVERAGE
Hell's heaven this book is full of pig shit... This was a seriously weird-ass book. It kinda had a western theme, but not really. It wasn't set in our world, unless it was post-apocalyptic but even that wouldn't have made sense, tech-wise. It could have been set in the 1800s, but the author went out of his way to point out little anachronistic weirdnesses, like our only-mostly-dead heroine having an out GBF and the president being female. In fact, the whole gender thing was uneven and slightly... off. The asshat husband is the only one who is truly all "yeah! men's rights! ...and stuff!" and he's an idiot, so maybe this is supposed to be allegorical? but it doesn't really work that way either. The horror elements are totally Stephen Kingesque, in the rambling there's a creepy paranormal thing out there kinda way, so if you like that sort of thing you'll probably like this as well. Also, the people in this book have an insane preoccupation with all things pig. Especially shit.
This is one of those books I wish I could have a conversation with the author about, because I'm pretty sure there's stuff I'm just missing, but as it stands this one isn't destined to be on my favorites list. For one thing, I did the audio and the book put me to sleep better than ambien, so I ended up having to go back and re-listen so. many. times. So there you have it... this is either kinda boring or it's over my head (but I'm not the sharpest bulb in the crayon box)
This is one of those books I wish I could have a conversation with the author about, because I'm pretty sure there's stuff I'm just missing, but as it stands this one isn't destined to be on my favorites list. For one thing, I did the audio and the book put me to sleep better than ambien, so I ended up having to go back and re-listen so. many. times. So there you have it... this is either kinda boring or it's over my head (but I'm not the sharpest bulb in the crayon box)
Malerman has a funky imagination and a gift for twistedness. The premise of this book is fascinating -- a regular woman who periodically suffers through 2 day comas, awakening after existing in an alternate plane. The story encompasses the time of 2 days, through 1 of her comas. It twists and turns between multiple perspectives and flashbacks. Malerman's character development is excellent; however, I continued to ask myself throughout the book which part of his psyche led him to develop the horrifying details of some of the characters. But they all fit the story.
The time period of the book seems to be set around the 1800s, in an imaginary cowboy setting. People are riding in coaches with horses and the main streets are built around saloons and shops with wooden boardwalks. But throughout the story there are several anachronisms -- fish tank, concrete basement, one character calling another as if on a phone. It seems like a "Wonderland" setting with a darker, more violent story.
One of the characters is "Rot". I love a story where an emotion or inanimate object or an attitude is written to be a character. Malerman does that so well and this book is dark, funny, interesting, twisted; a convoluted story with a very satisfying, well written ending.
The time period of the book seems to be set around the 1800s, in an imaginary cowboy setting. People are riding in coaches with horses and the main streets are built around saloons and shops with wooden boardwalks. But throughout the story there are several anachronisms -- fish tank, concrete basement, one character calling another as if on a phone. It seems like a "Wonderland" setting with a darker, more violent story.
One of the characters is "Rot". I love a story where an emotion or inanimate object or an attitude is written to be a character. Malerman does that so well and this book is dark, funny, interesting, twisted; a convoluted story with a very satisfying, well written ending.
When I was at the 2014 World Horror convention in Portland and everyone was talking about this debut novel Birdbox. Years before it became the most streamed movie in the history of Netflix and endless memes on the internet. I went into Birdbox totally cold and loved the experience. I have been meaning to get back to Malerman but it took until now and like that first experience, I went in totally cold with no idea of the setting or plot.
So Unbury Carol was not what I was expecting even though I had little in mind as I opened the book. If I had to make a one sentence description I would go with Sleeping Beauty meets supernatural western. While there are horror elements this is not super deep on the horror elements. This book is mostly characters, setting, and tone.
The story centers on Carol Evers who appears to die early in the book. She has a condition that reminded me of Sleeping Beauty. She appears dead, although she is in a nightmarish coma where she feels like she is falling at all times. Not only that but she can hear everything happening around her. This leads to some of the creepiest moments as her money-hungry husband tries to plan her funeral as quickly as possible. He wants her money.
There are only a few people that know about her condition. One is the famous Outlaw James Moxie. He became famous when he won a shoot-out without even grabbing his gun. This magic trick is one no one in the region understands thus Moxie is Notorious. Moxie lives three days travel down the trail but only has two days to make it in time to stop Carol's funeral. You see they were in love at one time and he knows her secret.
This might be the time to talk about the setting. I think it is the old west, but when and where is pretty much a mystery. So everyone keeps calling this a Western to which I say maybe? The Trail is a good setting, one of the best things Malerman does in this novel is to set-up the setting, giving it an ominous feeling. The Trail feels like a live wire. The setting of the Trail is one of my favorite aspects of the novel. My favorite thing was the characters.
Not Carol who is arguably the lead, but it is the supporting characters who steal the show. Moxie is a great rogue type who has been trying to go straight-laced. As he travels the trail A triggerman named Smoke is sent to kill him. Smoke is a really awesome character. They drive the novel and were my favorite elements.
The only negative for me was Carol was the least interesting aspect of the novel for me. That is not to say I didn't like her story. There were some skin-crawling moments involving her. I really enjoyed this novel, those looking for another Birdbox should not expect that. Malerman creates an original weird western that is nothing like his big hit. Different but very good.
So Unbury Carol was not what I was expecting even though I had little in mind as I opened the book. If I had to make a one sentence description I would go with Sleeping Beauty meets supernatural western. While there are horror elements this is not super deep on the horror elements. This book is mostly characters, setting, and tone.
The story centers on Carol Evers who appears to die early in the book. She has a condition that reminded me of Sleeping Beauty. She appears dead, although she is in a nightmarish coma where she feels like she is falling at all times. Not only that but she can hear everything happening around her. This leads to some of the creepiest moments as her money-hungry husband tries to plan her funeral as quickly as possible. He wants her money.
There are only a few people that know about her condition. One is the famous Outlaw James Moxie. He became famous when he won a shoot-out without even grabbing his gun. This magic trick is one no one in the region understands thus Moxie is Notorious. Moxie lives three days travel down the trail but only has two days to make it in time to stop Carol's funeral. You see they were in love at one time and he knows her secret.
This might be the time to talk about the setting. I think it is the old west, but when and where is pretty much a mystery. So everyone keeps calling this a Western to which I say maybe? The Trail is a good setting, one of the best things Malerman does in this novel is to set-up the setting, giving it an ominous feeling. The Trail feels like a live wire. The setting of the Trail is one of my favorite aspects of the novel. My favorite thing was the characters.
Not Carol who is arguably the lead, but it is the supporting characters who steal the show. Moxie is a great rogue type who has been trying to go straight-laced. As he travels the trail A triggerman named Smoke is sent to kill him. Smoke is a really awesome character. They drive the novel and were my favorite elements.
The only negative for me was Carol was the least interesting aspect of the novel for me. That is not to say I didn't like her story. There were some skin-crawling moments involving her. I really enjoyed this novel, those looking for another Birdbox should not expect that. Malerman creates an original weird western that is nothing like his big hit. Different but very good.
I picked this up just because it's Josh Malerman. I did not read the synopsis, and that's on me. This wasn't what I thought it was going to be, and it didn't completely work for me. The entire book is one guy trying to bury Carol and one guy trying to stop the other guy from burying Carol. Not a whole lot happens in this 300+ page novel. I do know that I definitely do not want to be Carol. It was an incredibly quick read, and was somewhat interesting. I feel like I would have loved it if it had been a novella.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The best way I can describe this vibe is yeehaw Stephen King (in a good way). It surprised me with the direction it went in some places, and wrapped up smoothly and in a satisfying way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Violence, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement
Minor: Abandonment
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Chronic illness, Death, Toxic relationship, Blood, Fire/Fire injury
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I listened to this book, and I think the voice actor ruined it for me. His character work was lacking; Smoke's Irish accent was distractingly bad; and his interpretation of some of the dialogue was misguided, especially when it came to Dwight. How he spoke didn't feel like it matched his motivations or actions in the story. This acting didn't let me get lost in the story, so instead, I was hyper aware of the writing and all its failing. Repetitive and silly despite its dark subject matter, it was a far cry from the "haunting", "menacing", and "clever" story promised on the sleeve of the book. Ultimately, it felt goofy when I was hoping for spooky.
Review in the February 1, 2018 issue of Booklist Magazine and on the blog: http://raforall.blogspot.com/2018/02/what-im-reading-novel-novella-and.html