martin_christopher 's review for:

I Am Legend by Richard Matheson

4.5

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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I loved this book. I don't seek out much in the way of horror (outside of recently getting a bit into Stephen King), but I saw the movie a while back when it came out in theaters, and while I have mixed feelings on the 2nd half of the film, I really loved the first half--just the character going about his daily routine, and that always stuck with me. 

Outside of some broad-strokes, from memory I can't say the book and the film are too similar.... but that doesn't really matter.

The book has a really enjoyable methodical pace, and it's pretty surprising how modern it feels given it was written over 70 years ago. Robert's struggle in this broken world as he tires to uncover the origins of the virus while reflecting on his past is quite compelling. His emotional spiraling, dealing alcoholism, bouts of hope and defeat, create for a pretty believable and flawed character. The end is really solid and unexpected. 

There are certainly things that don't totally work for me, and I don't want to give a ton away, but Robert (even with time to study) probably develops an unrealistic level of scientific prowess given his background. He also struggles with his sexual desires that end up coming across as awkward (mostly with how it's shown). These things really don't take away much--or at all--from a really good novel.

Very happy with this one--I'll emotionally put is side by side with The Road as post-apocalyptic favs.

Much love! MC