I am Legend by Richard Matheson

Rating: 4/5

Summary:

I Am Legend, by Richard Matheson, is a classic that combines science fiction and horror. The concept is straightforward: The plot revolves around Robert Neville, the last man on Earth. The year is 1975, and a virus begins to spread following the conclusion of the most recent war. The virus spreads at breakneck speed. People are dying all over the place, and science can't find a cure fast enough. But the dead don't stay dead. They start to rise, thirsty for blood. They appear to adhere to the classic vampire worldview. They are eliminated by sunlight. Garlic allergies depend heavily on blood. Robert appears to be the only human on Earth who is immune to the disease, so he spends his days killing vampires and his nights barricading himself in his home. He performs experiments and reads scientific and mythical books on vampire lore from the library to further understand vampires.

Strengths of the story:

Matheson told the story in the restricted third person. Robert's point of view is limited to what he is seeing, experiencing, and thinking. As a result, the mood is restricted, almost stuffy. Robert's world is both small and empty. Matheson transports the reader to the tight conditions of Robert's fortress-house. He's also good at implying the lurking insanity that comes with isolation.

Weaknesses of the story:

I enjoyed the story, but one of the most frustrating aspects for me was not fully understanding why the world had gone to war and why everyone had turned into vampires. The book simply drops you into the midpoint of Robert Neville's circumstance, which is a day-to-day life of trying to kill vampires during the day and attempting to hide in his house at night. But I'm approaching it from the perspective of a reader who has seen many movies in the zombie/vampire/virus genre. This would have struck readers in a very different way at the time it was written.

My opinion of the story:

It is a difficult book for me to review. It's a dark story and horrifying look at the mentality of severe loneliness and isolation, but on the other, it's a cartoony horror that cracked me up when it was meant to be scary. However, I believe it is a worthwhile read, especially given that it was one of the first post-apocalyptic horror novels.

Ten short questions about the book:

1. How long did it take you to read the book?

2-3 weeks.

2. What made you choose to read this book?

Was recommended by a YouTuber.

3. In which country does the story take place?

United States of America.

4. Who is the main character / characters?

Robert Neville.

5. Who is your favourite character in the book? Explain why.

Robert Neville, because you get to see how he struggles to adjust to his new normal. Every time you think there might be some chance for this character, it is taken away from him in unexpected ways. And you join him as he sinks deeper into a state of depression and desperation.

6. Is it a happy or sad book? Explain why.

The book is definitely a sad book, since it touches on the loneliness and isolation the main character experiences.

7. What kind of person would enjoy reading this book?

I think anyone who enjoys reading fiction would enjoy this book.

8. Where did you get this book from?

Kinokuniya.

9. What did you learn from this book?

Wouldn't change anything.

10. What would you change about the story?

Wouldn't change anything.