What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher, 2022
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What Moves the Dead, by T. Kingfisher, 2022
I rate the novella 5 out of 5 stars.
"What Moves the Dead," is a haunting
reimagination of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher."
It’s a tale that begins quietly, like a whispering wind rustling through the
desolate landscape of the Usher estate, but progressively escalates into a
crescendo of horror that is as riveting as it is terrifying.
Anchoring this narrative is the non-binary war
veteran Alex Easton, an embodiment of representation in the literary world that
is long overdue. Easton's character, a lieutenant with a unique set of pronouns
(ka/kan), provides an intriguingly fresh perspective, as we delve into the
layered complexities of gender identity, trauma, and societal norms. The
inclusion of this character alone is a bold stride in the literary world.
However, it's not just the compelling characters
that make this novella a must-read. The setting itself, with its brooding
quietness, feels like an additional character — a silent observer adding to the
eerie ambiance. Kingfisher masterfully crafts an environment that is not just a
background but a vital participant in the story. It carries a feeling of being
simultaneously rooted in the past and existing out of time, adding to the
sensation of unease that lingers throughout the narrative.
Then there are the fungi — an odd yet fascinating
choice that brings an element of the grotesque to the story. For those familiar
with apocalyptic narratives such as the "Last of Us" video game
series, or the real-world examples of parasitic fungi hijacking ant brains,
you'll find a chilling parallel here. However, Kingfisher takes it a step
further, intertwining this fungal threat with the zombified hare elements,
creating a unique brand of horror that is both intriguing and spine-chilling.
As for the ending, it's a fittingly incendiary conclusion
to a tale that smolders with quiet intensity. While it does feel a tad rushed,
the closure it provides wraps up the narrative neatly, though one can't help
but desire a bit more of the fiery, “hare”-raising spectacle.
In conclusion, "What Moves the Dead" is
a chilling exploration of horror, identity, and the creeping dread of the
unseen. It takes a classic tale and breathes new life into it, with a narrative
that is as beautiful as it is terrifying.
#KingfisherNovella
#WhatMovesTheDead #LGBTRepresentation #GothicHorror #MycologicalMystery
#TimelessTerror #UnconventionalNarrative #Kingfisher
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