3 out of 4 stars
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This seems to be the recurring theme in Jen Frankel's Undead Redhead. In this quirky zombie romance, Frankel masterfully mashes the genres of humor and horror.Was it possible for death to actually make life more worth living, and worth protecting?
The novel revolves around an amazingly loving redhead named Sharon Backovic. Everybody including “the inconsistent family and the rat-snake boyfriend” takes advantage of her caring nature. It seems nobody truly loves her. The book opens with Sharon finding herself in a coffin en route to her own burial. Her slightly rotting body, and a fuzzy memory, leads Sharon to the conclusion that she has become a zombie. Dressed in a horrendous fuchsia bridesmaid gown and matching killer heels, she sets out on a journey to eke out an existence for herself. However, things are way more complicated than it seems. Sharon was a vegan when alive, and it seems that even undead, she gets nauseous at the thought of consuming brains. Sharon, being Sharon finds “a reason against all odds to be optimistic”. Along the way she finally realizes the true nature of her so-called friends, and family. After her reanimation, she makes true friends, and finds love. Above all, she learns to stand up for herself.
The conversational and informal tone employed by the author was perfect for the story. Frankel's portrayal of the modern world was on point. She masterfully depicted the selfishness, aloofness, social media craze, and sensation-hungry journalism of the 21st century world. Frankel's lucid writing made the reader sympathize with Sharon. I have to say that this book truly touched me. It made me both laugh and cry.
The one thing that I absolutely loved about the book was the characterization. Frankel did an amazing job at sketching well-developed characters. The protagonist, Sharon was a round character. She showcased phenomenal growth. From a meek, and subdued girl, she became an assertive woman who did not hesitate to fight for herself. It can be said that this is a story of Sharon's self-actualization. Apart from Sharon, Malcom, Jason, Teeny, Waglet, the crazy cracklady, the cryptoparapsychocriminologist V.X. Morgoni Mocklin McLaughlin, and the imposter Undead Redhead were all unique characters.
Overall, I loved this quirky novel, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The only thing that bothered me was the smattering of errors throughout the book. Although it did not affect the flow of the narrative, it hampered my reading experience.
Keeping in mind the pros and cons, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. If not for the errors, I would have happily given it 4 stars. I recommend this tale of self-discovery to young adults who are struggling to find their own place in the world. I believe that fans of the zombie sub-genre will find this quirky book quite enjoyable.
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Undead Redhead
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