Survivor Song: A Novel

This was a quick, enjoyable read. Prescient in its prediction of the horrors and conspiracies around Covid, but a stand alone novel in and of itself. Since I live in e area this novel takes. place, I enjoyed the novel references, but I can see how someone whomdiidnt live here would feel this level of ddetail was unnecessary. All in all, an enjoyable and recommended read.

If anyone can write an apocalyptic epidemiological novel these days without seeming opportunistic or tactless it is Paul Tremblay. The horror and suspense writer will publish Survivor Song in July 2020, right on the heels of his critically acclaimed collection of short stories Growing Things. Tremblay excels at creating a creeping sense of unease and mounting panic, culminating in cinematic scenes of violence and terror. His style is perfect, therefore, for portraying a fictional epidemic that not only decimates people’s bodies, but perverts their minds as well. He begins this work with the warning: “This is not a fairy tale,” and with this caveat the reader knows that all will not end prettily in the pages to follow. The book opens as a very-pregnant Natalie awaits the return of her husband who is breaking curfew to get them supplies. U.S. citizens have been warned that they should quarantine themselves to curtail a communicable illness that is a new, mutant form of rabies. Those infected are quickly reduced to an animal-like state, insane with a desire to bite and thereby spread the disease. There is no cure and increasing panic has erupted due to an incompetent government response. Paul makes it back home in time, but the couple is immediately besieged by an infected man who fatally attacks Paul and exposes Natalie to the illness. This is only the beginning of the story, and the remainder of the book is dedicated to Natalie’s desperate quest for treatment with the help of her best friend (and pediatrician), Ramola. Time is of the essence, and the two women are faced with challenges of callous bureaucracy, rampant disorganization, vigilantism and bigotry as they race through the Boston Area seeking help. They also encounter helpers who aid in their quest—whose heroism counters the prevailing sense of pessimism and misanthropy. Survivor Song is a slow-burning thriller containing a thinly veiled political statement and pointed jab at the handling of the current COVID pandemic. Tremblay shows the various behaviors and attitudes people may manifest when faced with life-threatening situations. He certainly does not shy away from depicting the uglier side of human nature in its most feral state. Tremblay’s novel is not completely despairing, however, as he also illuminates the choice of self-sacrifice over self-preservation. This is a book that is timely and germane to the current state of our world, inviting an unflinching examination of ourselves and our own potential responses to the challenges we face. Thanks to the author, William Morrow and Edelweiss for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

loved it couldn't put it down