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A review by tits_mcgee
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Supernatural apocalypse done right. I took my time with this book because I did not want it to end and it is only a short read.
Matheson creates a rich atmosphere within the claustrophobic setting of protagonist Robert Neville’s home and neighbourhood. Neville’s voice gives the book the feeling of being trapped in the kind of freedom that oppresses you, a freedom where the shackles of civilisation no longer holds its grip, and for better or worse you are on your own. This, surprisingly, is where the horror hails from, not with the vampires but with the struggle of being alone and confused, looking for answers and trying desperately to find a reason to carry on living.
Neville’s frustrations and habits are spilled onto the pages of I Am Legend, putting the dark side of human survival into the spotlight, exploring what we are without the guiding hand of modern law and order. The loneliness and longing for answers is at the forefront of this eerie book, and I’m completely in love with it. The action is modest and relevant, there are no All American Heroes here; while Neville is a determined survivor and has indeed succeeded in combat with vampires, the book never takes this part to the extreme, leaving us tastefully in the realms of dark, cold reality.
The plot takes us through some interesting turns, with a pretty big twist towards the end. For the plot lovers I think there’s enough there to keep you gripped, but for me it was all about the feeling and emotions, the darkness and loneliness.
Immensely good book, I wish it was longer.
10/10
Matheson creates a rich atmosphere within the claustrophobic setting of protagonist Robert Neville’s home and neighbourhood. Neville’s voice gives the book the feeling of being trapped in the kind of freedom that oppresses you, a freedom where the shackles of civilisation no longer holds its grip, and for better or worse you are on your own. This, surprisingly, is where the horror hails from, not with the vampires but with the struggle of being alone and confused, looking for answers and trying desperately to find a reason to carry on living.
Neville’s frustrations and habits are spilled onto the pages of I Am Legend, putting the dark side of human survival into the spotlight, exploring what we are without the guiding hand of modern law and order. The loneliness and longing for answers is at the forefront of this eerie book, and I’m completely in love with it. The action is modest and relevant, there are no All American Heroes here; while Neville is a determined survivor and has indeed succeeded in combat with vampires, the book never takes this part to the extreme, leaving us tastefully in the realms of dark, cold reality.
The plot takes us through some interesting turns, with a pretty big twist towards the end. For the plot lovers I think there’s enough there to keep you gripped, but for me it was all about the feeling and emotions, the darkness and loneliness.
Immensely good book, I wish it was longer.
10/10