Matheson, Richard. I Am Legend. A novella, I guess, rather than a novel, but a very powerful vampire story, first published in 1954.
I didn't see the movie, but I found myself completely enthralled with the book. Richard Neville has survived the plague that either killed or turned every other human being into vampires. He manages to survive the loss of his wife and child and his solitary existence, but frequently wonders if it is worth it. Each night his house is attacked by vampires; each day he leaves (if it is sunny) to kill sleeping vampires and get supplies. Not much to look forward to, eh?
This is an excellent vampire story, a modern re-creation and re-telling of vampire legends, and a moving story of a man isolated and often despairing.
Fiction. Supernatural/Vampire. 1954/1995. 170 pages.
Hi again Jen.
ReplyDeleteI came across this blog as it was listed under your e-mail I received this morning. You have perked my interest in this one as I was an English Teacher / World Literature teacher and am fascinated by the written word and people who indulge. I will be examining this blog more closely as I find your taste in literature interesting. I Am Legend has been offered up in the public schools as required reading in our area. A wonderful story as you suggest. The movie was very good too, but the book is much more thought provoking. Have you ever read, Life of Pi? One of my favorites.
Yes, I did read Live of Pi when it first came out. It is one of those books that remain in vivid pictures as well as things to think about!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely an eclectic reader...
I only saw the show, but I did like it.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to see the movie, but never got around to it. The book is a classic dystopian novel.
ReplyDeleteI am really curious about this story and am so glad to hear you liked it. I haven't seen the movie yet either--I've heard mixed reviews about that.
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to read this one forever, it seems. Thanks for reminding me.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if I would have enjoyed the book better if I hadn't seen the movie first. I loved the movie, but didn't care too much for the book. Did you read any of the other short stories in your edition? Here's the link to my review, if you're interested.
ReplyDeleteLF - The genre itself doesn't appeal to everyone, but I liked seeing the way Matheson developed the vampire story, especially during the Cold War.
ReplyDeleteSam - It is a terse book -- short and tight. I think you'd like it.
Les - I went and checked out your review -- especially since we are so often in sync with our reviews! Seeing the movie first had to have had an impact. While I did like I Am Legend, I didn't care for the short stories at all.
I love Richard Matheson and grabbed a copy of this, when I found it in the library sale. I haven't gotten to it, yet, but I'm glad to find out that you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI read the novella after seeing the classic Vincent Price adaptation, Last Man on Earth, several years ago and really enjoyed the story. Although not as close to the novella as they could be, I enjoyed the Vincent Price version and the Will Smith version. They both had really interesting aspects to them.
ReplyDeleteI just recently saw the movie for the first time. Really enjoyed it. Now I'm going to read the book. Amazon is my next stop. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteBookfool - I did enjoy it! Lucky you to find one at a library sale!
ReplyDeleteCarl - I'd like to see both now that I've read the book. Didn't realize that Vincent Price had been involved with an adaptation.
Annie - :) Hope you enjoy it!