The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan is an eerie and proactive young adult novel. The writing was great. In fact, it’s some of the best writing I’ve come across in the YA genre. Mary tells the reader what it’s like to live in the confines of a village surrounded by a fence keeping out the Unconsecrated, also known as the infected or zombies. When the Sisterhood, entrusted with the village’s history and safety, betrays Mary’s trust and a breach occurs she must choose between the home she knows and the unknown world in the forest.
Mary’s story is completely believable. She is young and impetuous, even a bit reckless. Sometimes I liked Mary. Sometimes I didn’t. Overall, she felt like a real person whose future I was invested in. The confusion that Mary encounters, living in such a crazy world, is mirrored in her thoughts and actions. She tries to care for others but knows that she must trust her instincts if she is to have some peace of mind.
This is one of the big questions in the novel. Is survival enough? Is personal fulfillment selfish when others depend on you? Does falling in love give one the right to give up on life? Does true love require the sacrifice of one’s dreams? How much sacrifice is acceptable? Personally, I think these are great questions for young adults to ponder.
The descriptions of the zombies were great in a not-too-overly gory but in a suspenseful, creepy and realistic way. There is lots of moaning and jaw snapping. Killing zombies is not what this book is all about, though several do get cut down at climactic moments. There is something of a love triangle, nay quadrangle, but it is seamlessly woven into the plot. So, those who like a little romance in their stories will be satisfied while those not huge on romances shouldn’t be put off either.
If you like suspense, fantasy or paranormal/paranormal romances then Ryan’s text is probably something you’ll like. Note, I don’t think this counts as horror even though it’s classified as such. I wasn’t horrified and I’m rather wimpy. If you’re looking to try out one of these other genres, The Forest of Hands and Teeth would make for a fun introduction. End of story, I loved this read and can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel.
Publisher: Delacorte, 2009 Pages: 310 Source: U of Iowa Library
Rating: 5 Stars Recommended Age: 14 and up
This is a great review! I've seen this book floating around the blogosphere, but I haven't read a review of it this much in depth, and I wasn't entirely convinced I want to read it. This is being planted on my TBR for good--thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteHi there, I'm hopping over from the Hop. I have got to read this book, I've seen nothing but good things about it! I'm a new follower and looking forward to more of your reviews.
ReplyDeleteI've got a copy of Captivity to give away over on my blog if you'd like to stop by!
How interesting. Zombies have never interested me much but then again vampires didn't either pre-Twilight. The cover definitely does not say zombie to me.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really interesting! I've never heard of it! I'm thinking I might have to read this! Really great review!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this review. I've been vacillating about it, and in fact got it out from the library once, but sent it back when I realized it was about zombies. You've convinced me, though. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks, gals. I hope y'all do give this one a try.
ReplyDeleteBuffy - I nearly did the same thing. I checked it out from the public library and then put off reading it because I wasn't sure about zombies. The day before I had to return it I read the first 40 pages and was sad I couldn't renew it. Luckily, my college library had it for check out and I didn't have to get in the hold line at the public library.
I've got it on hold now, Chelle. :)
ReplyDeleteOk, I've since run across several reviewers who said this book totally freaked them out. So, if you spook easily, read with the lights on!
ReplyDeleteNow I've sent it back again. ;) I have so much else to read that it's probably a good idea for me to keep working through it all. But I'll keep it in the back of my mind.
ReplyDeleteHa! That's funny, Buffy! But I know what your mean... onward ho!
ReplyDelete