Zombies aren't all bad... (Handling the Undead - John Ajvide Lindqvist)

Member Name: reluctantreviews

Product:	Handling the Undead - John Ajvide Lindqvist
Date:	07/06/09 (93 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Interesting concept.

Disadvantages: Not quite as good as his first book.

Handling the Undead is the eagerly awaited (well by me anyway) second novel from Swedish horror writer John Ajvide Lindqvist, which was originally published in Sweden in 2005 but only translated into English earlier this year.

Set in Stockholm, the story starts with a heat wave, followed by a strange phenomenon - lights and televisions remain on even when unplugged, and an unseen pressure builds up in the city, leaving everyone with the same horrendous headache. Suddenly everything seemingly returns to normality, but the inhabitants of the city soon realise that nothing will ever be 'normal' again.

The city morgue is the first place where the dead begin to rise...

Lindqvist skilfully weaves in and out of the stories of David, a stand up comedian, Mahler, a journalist, and Elvy and her granddaughter Flora - all of whom have recently lost someone and understandably were never expecting to see their loved ones again.

Like his first novel 'Let the right one in', Lindquist has taken a theme from the horror genre (this time zombies), given it a new twist, and provided the reader with an emotional attachment to the characters both alive and dead.

I suppose it's not really right to call it a horror novel more a journey through the human psyche, whilst throwing in some shocking moments along the way. One example of this occurs when Mahler has to deal with the loss and subsequent reappearance of his beloved young grandson, whom he decides to dig-up from his grave and care for as if nothing has changed.

Lindqvist's novel doesn't just tell the story of society's reaction to this strange occurrence, but also gives insight in the everyday practicalities of dealing with 'The Reliving'. The book features debates about what rights the undead should have, where they should live, and how they should be referred to - all these theoretical arguments help the reader imagine the difficulties that society would face if the unlikely situation ever arose. These kind of issues are rarely addressed in the zombie genre, as most other stories focus mainly on people running away screaming from the groaning flesh eaters.

The Reliving are not your usual stereotypical zombies, they have rudimentary intelligence, whilst retaining a glimpse of the person they once were, making it even harder for their friends and relatives.

Other people who have read Handling the Undead often say they were disappointed with the story and complained that their interest wained half way through. Personally, I have to disagree, and feel the narrative moved at a good pace with slow building tension that had me gripped right from the beginning through to its emotional conclusion. Overall I'd say Handling the Undead is beautifully written story that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

You can currently purchase the book in trade paperback format for £7.40 from amazon.co.uk, although there is a standard paperback version soon to be released for £5.99.

*I've also published this review under my own name on waterstones.com*

Summary: A must read for anyone who enjoyed let the right one in.