World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks
3.5 out of 5
I liked this book but it wasn’t quite what I was expecting. If I had to choose between a three of a four it would get a four without question. The novel is a fictitious compilation of interviews from numerous survivors of the Zombie War, referred to as World War Z. I didn’t realise this was going to be the format but when I started reading, it didn’t matter. I thought it was great. Finally, I thought, a serious zombie novel that will deliver. I was kinda… right.
The peculiar structure of having an entire novel made up of interviews was great. I think it was the most interesting way to retell the history of this war without choosing the narrative. It gave the story a professional edge. The interviews were so different, so varied and provided vital segments of information, like a puzzle, which completed the picture of what happened during World War Z. Max Brooks did a fantastic job shaping the distinct voices of each interviewee.
While I believe Brooks did a great job at what he did, I would have preferred a “regular” story. The narrative. The first third of the book I adored. I read it eagerly and fell in love with certain interviews. After the the third I felt a bit… disheartened. It wasn’t because Brooks writing weakened or even the story, but the vital pulse of the story – climax, didn’t exist. There were mini climaxes within the interviews and while the history was dramatic and had climaxes, I didn’t feel that build as a story. It still felt like I was reading a collection of interviews, or a bunch of mini stories. Nothing sustained.
I started to skim read, skip interviews that weren’t as interesting but I read the last couple. It was a great novel if you want to read one written with interviews, it gave it a “historic” edge, like this COULD be a historic document about the zombie war. The plot is slow burning, there isn’t a sudden rush, and I need that rush. I heard the novel is being turned into a movie, I can’t wait. I think that the novel will be much more effective as a movie.
I recommend this novel, even if it’s to try because it won’t please all. If it had a sustained plot climax, this book would have easily been a 5 out of 5. I loved the story. I loved the characters. I loved the detail. I loved the writing style. I just… felt like the execution could have been improved.
Have you read World War Z? What did you think of Brook’s storytelling choice? Have you ever read a book compiled of interviews? A good choice or bad?
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This is a definite favorite of mine in the zombie genre.
It’s the best I’ve read of it’s genre. Thanks for commenting!
As a science fiction and fantasy writer and reader, I had heard about this book, but haven’t had a chance to read it yet. Thanks for the insightful review. The interview style that the book was written in sounds like it would be interesting and different. I’ll definitly read the book sometime, when I have the time and money to get to it.
Yeah, it’s unique and worth reading. I’m glad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
I’m never going to read a book about zombies any more than I’m going to read one about vampires. There are a lot of things that are fun to believe in, but dead things that eat me just aren’t one of them. Good review, though!
Haha, I love zombies. I also love reading a good vampire book that has REAL vampires like the Dracula novel rather than the Twilight stuff. Vampires are meant to be badass and actually dangerous, not romantic sops. Thanks for commenting, Annie. 🙂
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