They're coming to get you Barbara.... (I am Legend - Richard Matheson)

Member Name: Degeneratemoo

Product:	I am Legend - Richard Matheson
Date:	04/08/09 (48 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Gripping story

Disadvantages: It's short, but it does it well

I did enjoy the film and hadn't read the book before I watched it but I saw this in my local cheap bookshop and though I'd give it a go. It's a surprisingly short book, on 160 pages and I did wonder how much plot development could really happen in such a short book.

Aside from the basic premise that the central character is the last man alive there is very little that is the same between this book and the film. That said, both the book and the film do their respective takes on the story very well (the scene with Will Smith talking to the shop dummy was very memorable) and although the central characters are similar, they both have very different personality traits. Will Smith is all macho and spends his time working out, in the book more time is spend drinking and sleeping than anything else.

There is also another (major) plot point that simply isn't in the film which shouldn't be discussed here, whether the film makers did the right thing or not, I don't know.

I think it's faily widely known that the ending of the book is different to the film, I won't say anything about either but I have to say I prefer the book ending, it makes more sense, especially the title of the book.

Considering it is SO cheap now there's no excuse not to pick this book up, it's a great read so please don't think that just because you've seen the film you shouldn't read the book... they're very different!

Summary: One man and his dog, the zombie version.