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A review by undertheteacup
Devil's Wake by Tananarive Due, Steven Barnes
4.0
I was really hard to get through this story at first. It's when all of the loss, all of the traumatic events happen. Given the situation in the Bay and all over the country right now, with the fires, the ashfall, the hurricanes, the Nazis out in force, the government trying so openly to harm its citizens... the apocalyptic,'the world as you know it is gone' feel of the book hit really, really close to home.
It was wonderful to discover that this book didn't follow the trend of all these other zombie books and movies out there which make it a point to kill off a member of the group seemingly every other day. Rather than using the post-apocalyptic environment to highlight the awfulness of the human condition, the authors chose to focus on the skills, values, and relationships that help the main characters get through it. It was extremely satisfying to read about them facing challenges together, because I trusted the narrative not to gamble unnecessarily with their pain and suffering. Their bonding and competence was beautiful.
I was also struck by the natural beauty that was so palpable throughout the book. There was definitely a sense that humanity hasn't necessarily improved upon the world much, and the contrast between the loss/grief/horror and the fact that the snow, the trees, the ocean lapping at the beach could still have such peace and beauty was incredibly effective.
Can't wait to read the sequel.
It was wonderful to discover that this book didn't follow the trend of all these other zombie books and movies out there which make it a point to kill off a member of the group seemingly every other day. Rather than using the post-apocalyptic environment to highlight the awfulness of the human condition, the authors chose to focus on the skills, values, and relationships that help the main characters get through it. It was extremely satisfying to read about them facing challenges together, because I trusted the narrative not to gamble unnecessarily with their pain and suffering. Their bonding and competence was beautiful.
I was also struck by the natural beauty that was so palpable throughout the book. There was definitely a sense that humanity hasn't necessarily improved upon the world much, and the contrast between the loss/grief/horror and the fact that the snow, the trees, the ocean lapping at the beach could still have such peace and beauty was incredibly effective.
Can't wait to read the sequel.