Perfectly Perplexing Zombie by M.J. May is one of those books that seems, on the surface, to be yet another entry in the overly saturated genre of zombie fiction. However, to dismiss it merely as another undead saga would be to overlook its unique blend of humor, horror, and heart. May takes a genre that many might think has been exhausted of all originality and injects it with a fresh voice and a surprising depth of emotion.
The story follows the adventures of Lucy Carlyle, a high school senior, who unexpectedly finds herself in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. Unlike the typical horror tale where the protagonist is either perfectly prepared or overly skilled in survival tactics, Lucy is refreshingly average. She's not particularly good at sports, doesn't have any secret survival skills, and her idea of a crisis before the apocalypse was a bad grade. This normalcy makes Lucy a much more relatable character than the usual zombie story heroes who often appear crafted exactly for end-of-the-world scenarios.
What sets Perfectly Perplexing Zombie apart is its tone. M.J. May has managed to strike a delicate balance between the terror of a zombie apocalypse and a witty, sometimes even hilarious perspective provided by Lucy’s inner thoughts. The comedic moments never feel like they undermine the story's stakes but rather serve as a coping mechanism for Lucy, providing a genuinely human reaction to the absurdity of her situation.
May’s writing style is vivid and engaging. The descriptions of the dystopian landscapes are detailed and atmospheric, painting each scene with a clarity that immerses you completely. Each new setting in the book serves as a reflection of the upheavals taking place, both in the world at large and within Lucy herself. As the environment grows increasingly hostile and bizarre, so does Lucy’s transformation from an everyday teenager into a resilient survivor.
The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, from Lucy’s best friend Jamal, whose geeky knowledge of zombie movies becomes unexpectedly crucial, to Mrs. Kretchmer, the seemingly senile old neighbor who turns out to have more survival skills than anyone could have guessed. Each character is developed with their own personal backstory which adds layers to the narrative and prevents the common pitfall of secondary characters who serve merely as zombie fodder.
The plot of Perfectly Perplexing Zombie does a commendable job of avoiding predictability. Just when you think you know where the story is heading, May introduces twists that not only ratchet up the tension but add to the characters' development. The zombies themselves are more than just mindless antagonists; they are integral to the plot’s evolution, and their interaction with the world May has created reveals much about the nature of the crisis.
However, no book is without its flaws. At times, the pacing stumbles a bit, particularly in the middle sections where a quicker pace could have heightened the tension. Similarly, some of the reflective passages, though beautifully written, seem slightly misplaced amid the surrounding urgency, causing a slight disconnect in the momentum.
Themes of friendship, human resilience, and the idea of finding light even in the darkest of times permeate the narrative, giving the book not just a philosophical weight but also an uplifting message amidst the chaos. It is this underlying optimism and humanity that really helps Perfectly Perplexing Zombie stand out from other books in its genre. It's not just about surviving a zombie apocalypse; it's about what surviving looks like when you're a person who never thought they'd have to.
In conclusion, Perfectly Perplexing Zombie by M.J. May is a refreshing take on the zombie genre that combines scares with wit and emotional depth. Through the eyes of the wonderfully ordinary Lucy, readers experience not only the terror of an undead apocalypse but also the more personal journey of learning and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. While it does have occasional pacing issues and might delve too deeply into reflective territory at times, this book is a compelling mix of action, humor, and heart. For fans of zombie fiction looking for something that both entertains and resonates on a deeper level, M.J. May’s novel is certainly worth the read.
