Rewritten and expanded article:

The complete review is at https://inthenevernever.blogspot.com/...

“I knew I could perform a transorbital lobotomy even if it was in secret. All I needed was an ice pick. And a specimen.”

What does a serial killer look like? How does a person capable of brutally torturing their victims before killing them appear? Who would want to create a zombie and for what purpose? Today on the blog, I want to recommend "Zombi" by Joyce Carol Oates to you. A work that won the Bram Stoker Award for best novel in 1995 and has just been rediscovered by La biblioteca de Carfax with the excellent translation of Alexander Páez and the spectacular illustrated cover by Rafael Martín Coronel.

This novel delves into the dark and twisted mind of a character with such disturbing intentions. The description of the possible actions and the questions raised about the nature of a serial killer and the motives behind creating a zombie add an element of mystery and horror. It makes the reader wonder about the depths of human depravity and the lengths some might go to fulfill their strange desires. With its engaging plot and well-developed characters, "Zombi" is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you with a sense of unease long after you've finished reading.

There is a certain timelessness to psychopaths, isn't there?

With the new Dahmer show and Joyce Carol Oates's Blonde movie making headlines on Netflix, and the whole Halloween season upon us, I felt this was an opportune moment to give this story a read. And what an appropriately disturbing story it was.

Zombie is a notebook style/stream of consciousness narrative that follows the exploits of a disturbed character loosely based on Jeffrey Dahmer. Believe it or not, the title is quite fitting for a story that doesn't involve any of the familiar tropes of the brain-eating variety. The ideas of the central character are terrifying, yet they seem to have been plucked right from the headlines of some other serial killer story - disturbingly believable. In fact, ten years from now, I wouldn't be surprised if some crazy person commits similar killings and it makes me think to myself: 'Where have I heard this before?'

The way the story ends is abrupt, to say the least. Oates throws out a few ideas near the end that made me wonder if she was attempting to pull together a moral of the story, but it felt rather flimsy. However, there was one thing that occurred to me after I put it down, and if you have read 'Zombie', you may think I'm a madman myself. Unless, of course, I'm not.

Are you ready? Here it is: I think she wrote an allegory about the subjugation of women.

Boom. Your mind should be blown. Read it and let me know.

It was a truly absorbing read, but not for the faint of heart.

(Those ampersands are rather distracting, aren't they?)

I was extremely disappointed with this novel.

Typically, I am a great admirer of Joyce Carol Oates' eccentric and warped novels. However, this particular one failed to engage me. I was enthusiastic about reading a novel from the perspective of a serial killer. I believed that if anyone could pull it off successfully, it would be Oates...or so I initially thought.

Regrettably, it was repetitive, clichéd, and dull. To be honest, it was a pitiful effort to be shocking. Merely having numerous paragraphs dedicated to this man's uncontrollable ejaculation problem was not enough to achieve that.

The book was supposed to be a journal that enables the reader to catch a glimpse of his deepest thoughts. Stylistically, there were sentences in all caps, incomplete names, hand-drawn sketches, and strange punctuation. This aspect was the sole redeeming feature for me. It made the entire story slightly more believable in the sense that it was a serial killer's journal.

If you are seeking a novel that truly gives you the creeps and messes with your thoughts regarding how a serial killer would think and act on those thoughts, then you should continue your search.

It has been a difficult reading.

It was like being in a corner of the room watching everything happen. My whole body would tense up in the unpleasant scenes, which was practically all the time, and sometimes I felt like closing my eyes as if instead of reading I was watching a movie.

Readings narrated from the perspective of a person with some mental illness have always intrigued me. Entering that person's head and discovering their way of thinking, even briefly and imaginatively, catches my attention.

In this book, there is a lot of that. That is, despite all the atrocities and their more than evident madness, you can understand their "reasoning", taking into account that it has no logic at all.

There is also some social criticism. Of the decadence of American society, especially of its justice system.

Still, I can't say that I liked it. It was so unpleasant that I didn't enjoy it and the truth is that I was grateful that it was a short reading. My stomach wouldn't have been able to handle something longer.

Joyce Carol Oates has long been a captivating figure in the literary world, and her works never fail to leave a lasting impression. In her old short story, "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" she initially snared my attention. However, in her novel "Zombie" (1995), she takes readers on an even more disturbing journey.

\\tWritten in a first-person narrative, the story follows a psychopath who has an obsession with various youthful men. Using devilish means, the narrator captures them and uses them as sex slaves. The writing is a strange mix of quizzical humor and nastiness, with scribbles and doodles in the borders that add sinister meanings as the story unfolds. As a reader, I was a bit put off by the use of initials and symbols, and it wasn't exactly a LOL moment. Nevertheless, it is a very good novel, although perhaps not one of her absolute best works.

\\tOates borrows from the styles of various writers, such as Kurt Vonnegut, known for his scribbles and doodles, and Antoine De Saint-Exepury, author of "The Little Prince." However, she takes their influences and twists them into her own dark and disturbing vision. The narrator in "Zombie" is brilliant at manipulation, taking care of his grandmother and friends while also hatching a clever scheme to catch his latest prize, a blond All American teenager with the perfect ponytail and thin, tight muscles. Oates is particularly impressive when writing from another gender, as she accurately describes what it is like to have a raging hard on.

\\tOverall, Joyce Carol Oates continues to be a fearlessly brilliant and scary writer. She wields her pen like a butterfly knife, cutting her faithful readers into ribbons with the hardcore scenes that she always manages to come up with. Her works are not for the faint of heart, but for those who are brave enough to explore the darker side of human nature, they are a must-read.

As a discerning reader who doesn't read summaries, I expected this book to talk about zombies in the "old way", that is, the undead who emerge from beneath the earth and roam around eating the living. Well, I won't tell you the wonder as I was reading it.

There is nothing of all that.

The title was misleading, but not entirely wrong.

The story is told from the perspective of the protagonist, a true genius of evil. A person who appears normal, with a normal family and a normal job.

But we are in his head and we know that's not the case. Through his thoughts, we come to know his perversions, his manias, but above all we come to know his great dream: to create a blow-up zombie doll on which to unleash his sexual impulses.

Looking only from his perspective, it seems that the thing is so innocent, so normal, that one might wonder, for example, why he can be under supervised release for molesting a minor.

It's a rather frustrating book because, in the face of so much violence, we can only helplessly witness what happens, knowing then at the end that there will be no justice.

Quentin P. really existed. The author is referring to Jeffrey Lionel Dahmer, a serial killer who in the 1980s killed his victims, dismembered the corpses and kept the pieces. [from the web]

Between a 4 and a 4.5
This book truly packs a powerful punch.

It is told from the perspective of a deeply disturbed Quentin P, and "Zombie" is one of those stories that really got under my skin.

Those who are even vaguely familiar with true crime will easily be able to draw parallels between Quentin P and Dahmer.

The intensity of this story is palpable.

Although the book is under 200 pages, it took me longer than expected to read because there was just so much to take in emotionally at one time.

The way QP views people in the world is extremely disturbing.

It makes you question the depths of human nature and the darkness that can exist within some individuals.

Anyway, all the trigger warnings should be heeded when reading this book.

It is not for the faint of heart and may leave you with a sense of unease long after you've finished reading.

Despite its disturbing nature, it is a thought-provoking and well-written piece that will stay with you.

"سيئة لا تُطاق" which means "uncontrollable evil" in Arabic. This concept represents a force that seems to be beyond our control and has the potential to cause great harm.

Evil can take many forms, such as violence, hatred, greed, and corruption. It can manifest in individuals, societies, or even on a global scale.

Sometimes, we may feel powerless in the face of such evil. We may wonder how it is possible for people to act in such cruel and immoral ways.

However, it is important to remember that we are not completely helpless. We can choose to stand up against evil, to speak out for what is right, and to take action to make a positive difference.

Each of us has the power to make a small contribution towards combating evil. Whether it is through acts of kindness, volunteering in our communities, or advocating for social justice, our actions can have a ripple effect and inspire others to do the same.

In conclusion, while "سيئة لا تُطاق" may seem overwhelming at times, we must not give in to despair. Instead, we should strive to be the change we wish to see in the world and work together to create a more just and peaceful society.

Just innocently picked this up over the weekend for a nice sunny day read.

Wow, it was so disturbing and creepy. I still feel icky after reading it!

But it was also riveting, and I simply could not put it down.

I have never read any Joyce Carol Oates books before, but now I will definitely read all that I can get my hands on.

It's not like the Walking Dead Zombies. It's just different.

This book had a unique charm that kept me hooked from start to finish. The way the story was told, the vivid descriptions, and the complex characters all contributed to its appeal.

Even though it was disturbing, it also made me think and feel a range of emotions. It was a truly unforgettable reading experience.

I can't wait to explore more of Joyce Carol Oates' works and see what other surprises she has in store for me.

It would be wrong to say I enjoyed this one--I didn't. But then again, I wasn't supposed to.

Joyce Carol Oates has crafted a novel that is so eerie and unnerving that the very concepts of "enjoyment," "escapism," and "entertaining" seem completely out of place.

This is a masterfully written tale, showcasing the kind of skill and artistry that one would expect from the phenomenal writer that Oates is. I'm not going to write much more about this as I have other books waiting for me tonight. However, what I will say is that you should only pick up ZOMBIE if you have a strong constitution. If you do, though, you're in for an exceedingly skin-crawling narrative. The main character is so squeamishly convincing that he'll make you look at strangers with just a little bit more suspicion.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to huddle in a corner and shiver for several minutes.

This book has truly left an impression on me, and I can't help but be both intrigued and disturbed by it. I'm curious to see what others make of it, and whether they'll be able to stomach the intense and often uncomfortable subject matter.

Overall, while I didn't "enjoy" ZOMBIE in the traditional sense, I do appreciate the skill and craftsmanship that went into its creation. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Dear Mrs. Oates,

Thank you for achieving with Zombie what Fowles couldn't quite accomplish with The Collector and what Easton Ellis massively failed with American Psycho. Your work stands out as a remarkable achievement in the literary world.

In Zombie, you have managed to create a story that is both captivating and thought-provoking. The characters are well-developed, and the plot keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from beginning to end.

Unlike The Collector and American Psycho, which had their flaws, Zombie is a masterful work that combines elements of horror, mystery, and psychological thriller to create a unique and unforgettable reading experience.

Once again, thank you for your wonderful work. I look forward to reading more of your books in the future.

Yours sincerely,
A reader.

If you want to read a disturbing and raw book that makes you enter the mind of a psycho, this is the book suitable for you.

Unfortunately, there is nothing else. It doesn't give anything more and leaves you with a sense of incompleteness.

The classic "and then what?".

This book may initially draw you in with its vivid portrayal of a psychotic's mind. However, as you progress through the pages, you start to realize that there is a lack of depth and substance.

It fails to offer any real insights or resolutions, leaving you feeling unsatisfied and wondering what the point was.

Perhaps the author intended to simply shock and disturb, but without a meaningful conclusion or message, the book ultimately falls short.

While it may have its moments of intensity, it doesn't have the staying power to make a lasting impact.

In the end, you are left with a sense of disappointment and a longing for something more substantial.