Staff Pick
The thinking man's zombie novel. What if the recently dead came back, but they mostly weren't dangerous — just a little off? Their bodies are alive, but their minds aren't doing so well. Mourning families find recently deceased relatives back home in their living rooms. How would you handle such a situation? It shivers the spine to think of the possibilities, and Lindqvist does just that. These zombies may not jump out at you or tear your flesh apart, but they will scare you just as much. Recommended By Jeffrey J., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
"John Ajvide Lindqvist is a master philosopher of the horror genre." --
Washington Post Book World Zombies and human clash in this horror novel by the author of the international bestseller Let the Right One In, for which he wrote the screenplay for the the Swedish smash hit film of the same name, which some critics (see below) have called the best vampire film ever made. John Ajvide Lindqvist has reinvented the vampire genre. Now hes taken on zombies, and readers everywhere will find themselves utterly consumed by Handling the Undead.
Something peculiar is happening. While the city is enduring a heat wave, people are finding that their electric appliances wont stay switched off. And everyone has a blinding headache. Then the terrible news breaks - in the city morgue, the newly dead are waking.
David always knew his wife was far too good for him. But he never know how lost hed be without her until the night she died. Now shes gone and hes alone. But when he goes to identify her body, she opens her eye…
Across the city, grieving families find themselves able to see their loved ones one last time. But are these creatures really them? How long can this last? And what deadly price will they have to pay for the chance to see their spouses and children just one more time?
Review
"A unique and humanistic take on the undead that has a place alongside thoughtful horror novels like
World War Z." --
Kirkus Reviews (starred)
"The first fresh take on the zombie since [Dawn of the Dead]." --Chud.com
"Shivers the spine and hooks the heart." --Hellnotes.com
"Lindqvist is giving us new kinds of monsters." -- PopMatters.com
"Sophisticated horror that takes the genre to new and exciting levels." --Suspense Magazine
"A unique standout." --Fright.com
"Will entice longtime zombie fans eager for a subversive examination of some of the horror genre's most recognizable monsters." -- Publishers Weekly
Review
"A unique and humanistic take on the undead that has a place alongside thoughtful horror novels like
World War Z." --
Kirkus Reviews (starred)
"The first fresh take on the zombie since [Dawn of the Dead]." --Chud.com
"Shivers the spine and hooks the heart." --Hellnotes.com
"Lindqvist is giving us new kinds of monsters." -- PopMatters.com
"Sophisticated horror that takes the genre to new and exciting levels." --Suspense Magazine
"A unique standout." --Fright.com
"Will entice longtime zombie fans eager for a subversive examination of some of the horror genre's most recognizable monsters." -- Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
In his new novel, John Ajvide Lindqvist does for zombies what his previous novel,
Let the Right One In, did for vampires.
Across Stockholm the power grid has gone crazy. In the morgue and in cemeteries, the recently deceased are waking up. One grandfather is alight with hope that his grandson will be returned, but one husband is aghast at what his adored wife has become.
A horror novel that transcends its genre by showing what the return of the dead might really mean to those who loved them.
Synopsis
From the author of the powerful vampire novel "Let the Right One In" comes a horror novel that transcends its genre by showing what the return of the dead might really mean to those who loved them.
About the Author
John Ajvide Lindqvist is the author of Let the Right One In and Handling the Undead. Let The Right One In, his debut novel, was an instant bestseller in Sweden and was named Best Novel in Translation 2005 in Norway. The Swedish film adaptation, directed by Tomas Alfredsson, has won top honors at film festivals all over the globe, including Best Narrative Feature at the Tribeca Film Festival. An American remake, Let Me In, written and directed by Cloverfield director Matt Reeves, was released in October 2010 to rave reviews. Lindqvist grew up in Blackeberg, a suburb of Stockholm and the setting for Let the Right One In. Wanting to become something awful and fantastic, he first became a conjurer, and then was a stand-up comedian for twelve years. He has also written for Swedish television. He lives in Sweden.