| Product: |
I am Legend - Richard Matheson |
| Date: |
13/06/08 (170 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: A PAGE TURNER
Disadvantages: NONE
I Am Legend.
Author - Richard Matheson
I remember watching the original film 'The Omega Man', starring Charlton Heston. It was a bit poor and massively different from this book. The latest version starring will smith is slightly different from the book but closer to the mark.
The story;
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Robert Neville is the last 'Normal' human alive in the city of Los Angeles and possibly the last in the world.
Every night he has to barricade himself inside his home getting drunk whilst Vampires roam the streets.
His neighbours and friends taunt him, "Come outside, we have something to show you".
His mind is constantly prayed upon with doubts and agonies of why only he survived, if he should carry on alone and if there is a cure.
Whilst out one day he encounters a wild dog but it soon becomes his companion if only for a short while. (This made the film)
In the act of slaughtering as many vampires as possible he fears he himself is becoming a monster and instead turns his keen mind to finding a cure.
He discovers there are 2 distinct stages to the virus or vampirism, The infected and the un-dead.
His struggles are as much in the mind as physically against the creatures of the night.
The ending of the book is superb, no more clues, you'll have to read it.
The Writing;
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The book is cleverly split into 3 parts;
The first part being January 1976
The second March 1976
The third June 1978
Each dealing with Nevilles struggles and discoveries through those time periods.
The Novel is written in a simple style with short sentences which serve to keep the story motoring along.
Although only a short read, this actually keeps it fresh and you don't find yourself slogging through unnecessary drivel that can be used to 'pad out' some books.
This means that everything written is essential and meaningful to the overall plot. At no stage do you feel bogged down with unnecessary detailed and descriptive sidetracks.
The style of his writing is crisp and refreshing.
ISBN: 1857988094
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co.
Number of pages 160.
A Page turner and rated 9/10
Greg.
Summary: SUBTLE DIFFERENCES TO THE FILM BUT BETTER.
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