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A review by sineadcstories
Last Ones Left Alive by Sarah Davis-Goff
5.0
Set in Ireland during a zombie apocalypse, what could possibly go wrong? Small, trapped environment and seemingly no hope left of civilisation? This book will make you realise how small this island is, which is an interesting, claustrophobic take of the traditional zombie narrative. The protagonist, Orpen, retakes the same steps, recognises old markings, and knows that if she heads east she will eventually hit Dublin.
It's funny reading an apocalyptic book set in Ireland. It makes you wonder, "what would I do?"
Orpen has grown up on a small island off the coast of Ireland with only her Mam and Maeve, who occasionally venture to the main island in search of more. When Mam dies and Maeve is bit by a skrake, Orpen has to make a decision: stay or go? With Maeve in a wheelbarrow and a dog called Danger by her side, Orpen is about to find out what waits for her in Ireland.
Sarah Davis-Goff brings a lot of concepts into this; city vs country, feminism, childhood vs adulthood, and a bit of good old-fashioned gore.
Sometimes it did feel as though the book involves a lot of back and forth, and the conclusion doesn't come across as wholely satisfying to me because of this. There is no clear goal in sight. There is no obvious reach towards something. So when it resolves the way it does, it makes sense but doesn't leave the reader with an overwhelming sense of triumph. It could do with a few more chapters.
There is also an exaggerated use of Irishisms (so it is, coddle, and all, etc) that it's as though Davis-Goff is constsntly trying to remind the reader that this book is Irish. It took me away from the narrative and I rolled my eyes whenever I saw another "so it is." I think the use of Irish place names and a subtle use of language would have been suffice.
I had heard so much about the book and the writer and the political intricacies of the book that I was surprised to see apocalyptic tropes; pregnancy, sacrifice, unexpected romance (without trying to give anything away.)
But, you know what? If it wasn't heralded as literary fiction, maybe I wouldn't be surprised by the use of these tropes? Marketing is important.
These are all minor things that took me away from the narrative. On the whole, I think this is a gripping story, told in simple and accessible language and with just enough emotional connection to Orpen. This book has moments that will break your heart, leave you cringing of horror in your seat, and turning the pages faster and faster to see what happens.
I look forward to seeing what lies next for Davis Goff.
It's funny reading an apocalyptic book set in Ireland. It makes you wonder, "what would I do?"
Orpen has grown up on a small island off the coast of Ireland with only her Mam and Maeve, who occasionally venture to the main island in search of more. When Mam dies and Maeve is bit by a skrake, Orpen has to make a decision: stay or go? With Maeve in a wheelbarrow and a dog called Danger by her side, Orpen is about to find out what waits for her in Ireland.
Sarah Davis-Goff brings a lot of concepts into this; city vs country, feminism, childhood vs adulthood, and a bit of good old-fashioned gore.
Sometimes it did feel as though the book involves a lot of back and forth, and the conclusion doesn't come across as wholely satisfying to me because of this. There is no clear goal in sight. There is no obvious reach towards something. So when it resolves the way it does, it makes sense but doesn't leave the reader with an overwhelming sense of triumph. It could do with a few more chapters.
There is also an exaggerated use of Irishisms (so it is, coddle, and all, etc) that it's as though Davis-Goff is constsntly trying to remind the reader that this book is Irish. It took me away from the narrative and I rolled my eyes whenever I saw another "so it is." I think the use of Irish place names and a subtle use of language would have been suffice.
I had heard so much about the book and the writer and the political intricacies of the book that I was surprised to see apocalyptic tropes; pregnancy, sacrifice, unexpected romance (without trying to give anything away.)
But, you know what? If it wasn't heralded as literary fiction, maybe I wouldn't be surprised by the use of these tropes? Marketing is important.
These are all minor things that took me away from the narrative. On the whole, I think this is a gripping story, told in simple and accessible language and with just enough emotional connection to Orpen. This book has moments that will break your heart, leave you cringing of horror in your seat, and turning the pages faster and faster to see what happens.
I look forward to seeing what lies next for Davis Goff.