For Feisty Feminists

I just don’t know what to make of this book. It is very interesting, and entertaining, but I could really never get a grasp on whether the author is for real. The tone is very serious, as he tells us about zombie physiology, mentality, and methods; the levels of zombie outbreaks; what buildings are best for hideouts; what equipment and supplies might help you survive a zombie outbreak; and what training you will need to defeat the undead.

All this is entertaining, but I started to wonder, is he serious, or is this satire? I still don’t really know, but if you read it as satire, the fact that the tone is pitched so earnestly and urgently makes it a much more entertaining read.

The end of the book is a chronicle of ‘documented zombie attacks.’ Most of the accounts are incredibly far-fetched as is - all are ‘according to local legend’ or were found in memoirs after the witness had died - and none seem very plausible or historically backed, which makes me think that this is a satirist impersonating a conspiracy theorist. Yet, the stories might be enough to convince a stupid person that zombies are real.

This was Chabon’s first novel, a coming-of-age story about Art Bechstein, a kid just out of college struggling with his identity (his father is involved in the mob, and he is simultaneously repelled and fascinated by this) and his sexuality.  He meets Arthur LeComte, and is drawn into his circle of glamorous, but somewhat self-destructive friends.I know that a lot of folks love this book, but it took me awhile to like it. The language was too flowery, to the point where it seemed fake - or like the put-on airs of a twenty-one year old desperate to impress you with his intelligence. However, throughout the book it grew on me, and gave greater insight into Art’s character. 

I was predisposed to like this book, because I love Stephen Fry and his style of humor. (See A Bit of Fry and Laurie).  In his autobiography, Fry tells stories of growing up in boarding schools in England; explains his own viewpoint on things like homosexuality, the public school system in England, and corporal punishment for children; and sometimes references his future success as an actor.Fry loops around from one subject to another - going into a 5+ page rant about topics such as his lack of musical talent and how that has affected his life in a charming, self-deprecating way.  The book does not have much of a forward trajectory in parts, skipping from anecdote to opinion and back; but the writing is always enjoyable and witty, and often insightful.