A review by catapocalypse
Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty

challenging emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

First I'd like to point out that this collection is mostly literary fiction rather than the horror many assume. There are scattered moments of haunting or dread, but it only seemed prominent in the last couple stories.

Mostly, these are interconnected stories narrated by the same man at various points of his life on the Penobscot Reservation. They focus on the complex connections he has with his family and friends, and frequently involve themes of sickness and healing as well. There's pain and heartbreak, but also compassion, and so much great humor throughout. The writing is beautifully crafted, and the characters so vividly real, I feel as though I'll miss them now that I've finished reading, mess and all.

This is one of my favorite reads of this year. I look forward to the novel Talty's working on now! 
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