Zombies are terrific horror antagonists because writers and readers can project any number of emotions or topics on them. By placing the book's voice in the minds of characters trapped in uncooperative, decaying, and deadly bodies, Howey challenges the reader to project empathy for the aged, the addicted, the depressed, and the unfulfilled, all those would say that they are caught in prisons of their own making. The scenes of horror are harrowing, but not as harrowing as the idea that you have no control of your life, even if you haven't been turned into a zombie, stripped of control of your body, and forced to watch your body commit atrocities. This is my first Hugh Howey book, and I have to say -- he is a GOOD writer -- imaginative, evocative, and blessed with the gift to weave a narrative rife with compelling imagery.The "conceit" of "I, Zombie," as suggested by the title, is that it is told from the POV of the zombies. Howey relates the nightmare circumstance of minds still essentially sentient and rational, but trapped inside zombie bodies that are driven by separate primal and cannibalistic urges.What I learned about this conceit is that it's interesting, but a little bit goes a long way... And from my own personal standpoint, is the novel's eventual undoing. While at first it is fascinating to watch the horror of the apocalypse unfolding from the zombie POV, with their grisly and visceral observations and reactions to their own behavior, at some point, I "get" the conceit, and find that more of the same doesn't add much more to the narrative. At that point, my sympathies want to revert back to the people who are still uninfected and fighting for survival, but there's virtually no character development on their part to support a "vested interest." The zombies ARE the characters. And there was only so much sympathy I could bring myself to invest in the zombies, as tormented, pathetic, and hopeless as they are.So -- "I, Zombie" feels like a good premise for a short story or novella that got blown up to novel dimensions.Also, due to the zombie POV, the book can occasionally be horrifying -- but it's never quite SCARY (and I do believe that "I, Zombie" was intended to be a "horror novel"). Ultimately, I think fear has to be generated from the viewpoint of protagonists who are the prey or, at least, potential victims. It is with them that we, as the audience, really want to relate.I'm giving the book a "good" rating of 3 stars, mainly for Howey's writing style and competence. But this is likely my last zombie novel from the POV of the zombie.
What do You think about I, Zombie (2012)?
Interesting and enjoyable read. First zombook I have read from a Z's point of view.
—BigTiRone
Different perspective than the 'typical' zombie apocalypse.VERY violent
—mary
Shockingly boring. I can't believe I finished it.
—MuffinLive
