The hardcover of this book, due for release in early march,
shows a horse drawn wagon heading out into uncharted territory. This
represented the pioneering spirit of American settlers heading west for
California who felt confident in the knowledge that they were destined to
occupy this territory irrespective of the affect their actions might have on
the indigenous native American tribes who already populated these regions. The
Hunger recalls one particular group of travellers historically referred to as
the "Donner Party", led by Jacob and George Donner, who in the spring
of 1846 departed Springfield Illinois on a perilous 2500 mile journey their
intended destination the Mexican province of alta California. Poor planning,
bad decision and snowstorms caused a number of the original pioneers to become
trapped in the mountains during the severe winter of 1846. When food ran out it
was said that they resorted to cannibalism; the unthinkable had happened in
order to survive.
Alma Katsu expertly uses the harsh unforgiving environment and
that deep rooted human weakness, fear of darkness and the unknown, to instil in
the travellers a paranoia that something evil is out there stalking them....."He
saw teeth sharpened like iron nails, and too many of them, far too many-a long slick
of throat, like a dark tunnel, and that horrible tongue slapping like a blind
animal feeling for it prey."...Some excellent characterization really made
the story come alive as long held dark secrets gradually emerged. James Reed
owner of a large furniture business in Springfield, married to an older woman,
yet tortured inwardly by personal feelings, dark thoughts and undisclosed
encounters. Charles Stanton, the quiet anti-hero whom Mary Graves...."was
giddily, stupidly, happily in love.".....Tamsen Donner, young bride to
George Donner, her beauty and wayward ways causing discern and rumour amongst
the gradually starving disillusioned pioneers. As bad weather, low rations, and
poor decisions prevailed the.... "creatures that fed on human
flesh".....selected and noisily consumed the weak and innocent.
What I loved about this novel was the seamless blending of
historical facts with a modern horror theme, a wolf like predator with an unquenchable
longing for human flesh. As a British reader I must confess to my ignorance of
the Donner Party and was pleased that the author included an "historical
note" which greatly added to my enjoyment of the overall story. There were
many fine observations in this ill fated journey non better than a quote at the
conclusion of chapter 21....."Then the Lord must be mightily displeased
with you, because he has led you into the valley of death. Make peace with your
Lord before it is too late, because the hungry ones are coming for
you.".... Many thanks to the good people at netgalley for this gratis copy
in exchange for an honest review and that is what I have written. Recommended.
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