Handling the Undead by John Ajvide Lindqvist is a zombie book with a difference. The story begins with the sudden reanimation of thousands of deceased individuals, now referred to as "reliving," before exploring the perspectives of various characters, including grieving families and medical professionals, as they struggle with the emotional and ethical complexities of the situation. Lindqvist combines horror elements with an examination of human nature to explore themes of loss, grief, and our understanding of life and death.

Lindqvist's true mastery, however, lies in the seamless alternation between action and inner dialogue, which results in an ominous air of tension, and in his ability to paint a vivid picture with his words. The author's portrayal of grief is nothing short of haunting; I found myself holding back tears multiple times.

What sets this novel apart is its unique approach to the undead. If you're seeking a traditionally fast-paced, action-packed zombie story, this book may not be to your taste. Far from the mindless flesh-eaters we're accustomed to, these reanimated beings are imbued with a haunting humanity. Lindqvist doesn't just explore death and resurrection; he delves deep into the recesses of human nature, plumbing fear, loathing, disgust, compassion, love, and the raw, unrelenting ache of grief.

The characters in Handling the Undead are complex and enigmatic, breathing life into a genre often characterised by lifelessness. The strong focus on character introspection does slow the pace of the novel; however, the narrative is complex and intricate, weaving a web that leaves readers constantly on edge. The horror here is subtle, playing upon our deepest fears. Through the lens of the zombie premise, Lindqvist offers a searing commentary on modern society, laying bare its fissures - the isolation, the fear, the fraying of social bonds, and the desperate hope for a better future.

The novel concludes with a degree of ambiguity, which may be off-putting for some readers. Many questions are unanswered, including the ultimate fate of the undead and the nature of the force that seems to be influencing them. Some readers will appreciate the open-ended nature of this finish, while others may prefer a more conclusive resolution.

Overall, Handling the Undead is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant work that brings a unique spin to the zombie genre, making it a worthwhile read for those seeking a fresh perspective on the undead. ( )

Este libro lo leí hace varios años y me pareció aterrador. En esta segunda lectura repasar los pasajes, reconocerlos, reencontrarme con ellos, me ha confirmado que la premisa es aterradora. Me gusta la forma en la que el autor va llevando a la historia y los personajes, aunque algunos comentarios dicen que los encuentran aburridos, en lo personal los encuentro muy interesantes.

Quizá me hizo falta un poco más "acción" en la sociedad sueca ante un mundo en el que los muertos vuelven a la vida, más que esa tensa calma; pero quién sabe, igual y estoy muy mal acostumbrada a tantas historias de zombies donde todo es caos. Y no es que aquí no lo haya, lo hay y mucho, pero como ya lo dije, es una calma muy tensa, en todo momento parece que las cosas van a explotar y que todos van tranquilos para que esa explosión no sea de escalas mayores.

En fin, me gustan las historias de John Ajvide Lindqvist; siempre encuentro un terror muy humano, algo que rompe de manera muy profunda y que es horroroso. Y ahora que volví a este libro, no me decepcionó. ( )

Not as good as let the right one in, but still intriguing. Kind of Stephen King like ( )

great read, nice original take on a zombie outbreak, shame about the ending. ( )

I can see why someone looking for a straight-up horror story wouldn't like this book. This is not that. It's more about loss & grief. I liked it as an alternative treatment of the zombie genre, but I still wished for a bit more explanation of what was going on. ( )