Carrion Comfort
by Dan Simmons
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Book Reviews of Carrion Comfort
Book Review: Great entertainment. Sad. Terrifying
Summary: 5 Stars
Yes, it was long. Sometimes it was a little plodding, but as I got farther and father into the book I realized that I was beginning to be awed by this novel. The descriptions of Philidelphia were right on. (I was visiting it when I started the book) And what is further testiment to this novel is that I was reading it at the same time as Heart of Darkness and have to say that that classic is just too esoteric for any normal person to make any sense of and I was deeply disappointed because I like Apocalypse Now. I found myself more amazed by Simmons prose and themes and characters than I ever was with all that dark side, good/evil, symbolism nonsense encrypted into the Heart of Darkness. And Simmons does settings infinitely better than Conrad, capturing much of the essence of the United States. Racism, corrupt government, love, death, its all here in many forms. Beware the Honky Monster.Book Review: Addictive even after 4 reading!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the best SciFi or Horror book I've ever read. And I've read many over the last 25 years. King, McCammon, Barker, Cussler, Asimov, Heinlen, etc. The book has a horror tone, but the "abilities" of the characters seems more in line with SciFi and "mental mutants." The amount of detail, combined with the fast pace of this book and total depravity of the characters make it nearly impossible to place down once you get past the first 15 pages. It just pulls you in. Interestingly, this is one of only two books by Simmons that I've been able to finish -- but this one I couldn't stop reading. Most writers can't seem to develop characters without the story really slowing down. But in Carrion Comfort, these sections of the story are especially captivating. I've read this 4 times over the last 10 years -- more than any book other than a couple by Niven.Book Review: mixed feelings on this book
Summary: 3 Stars
After reading a few reviews of this book, I see that most people either loved it or hated it. I guess I fall somewhere in the middle. While Simmons does a pretty good job of developing characters, I feel that the story they are placed in tends to drag a bit. Melanie is by far the most complex character of the book, however, I went back and forth between whether I should pity her or hate her. The book is quite long and easily could have been pared down a little to make it flow better. The final scene is somewhat confusing and pointless as well. But, as a whole, I didn't dislike this book. Just expected it to grab my attention a little better than it did. I have read one other Simmons book, Hyperion, and found it a bit more enjoyable a read. As for a horror epic, I would lean toward McCammon's "Swan Song" or King's "The Stand" over this effort.Book Review: Not what I expected
Summary: 1 Stars
I bought this book based up glowing reviews and the fact that it had won the Bram Stoker award.
The author introduces far too many characters at once and too quickly at that. No development or backstroy is given due to this. The description are overly detailed regarding the most mundane and pointless things
The characters are dull flat, and boring. They speak as if they were high class sophisticated nobles and because of this I was unable to relate to or even care about any of them. He tries so hard with cliches and sobstories to make us care about them but it's too easy to see through it.
The plot was much too predictable and only now do I see why it was about 900 pages. Simmons goes on and on without getting to the point or even having one in the first place. It could have been done in half the length and been better off for it.
Book Review: Creepy beyond creepy -- but a masterpiece as well!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the creepiest book I have ever read (sorry Stephen, you are still my favorite, but this is too creepy even for you). You will have nightmares, sleep with the lights on and eventually bring the characters into your own dreams.
I have read this book four times, cover to cover, since I purchased it 10 years ago and have the same reaction every time -- the lights in the house remain on all the time, I drive my husband crazy with the "night lights" and I keep my eyes open in the shower. The "creepiness" eventually fades, but the memory of the most frightening "chess games" never really leave me. Maybe because that part could actually happen given a very sick individual and many brain damaged followers.
Stock up on light bulbs! This one will keep you up for a month!