Breathers initially seems like a typical zombie novel, but it surprises with its humor and narrative voice. The story of Andy Warner, a zombie struggling with societal rejection, is both entertaining and thought-provoking, though it occasionally falls short of fully revitalizing the genre.
At first glance, Breathers appears to be just another zombie novel, drawing from well-trodden tropes and pop culture references. However, it quickly becomes clear that there's more to it than meets the eye. The protagonist, Andy Warner, is a zombie who faces societal rejection and lives in his parents' basement, unable to see his daughter. His journey takes a turn when he joins Undead Anonymous and meets Rita, a suicide with a unique taste for formaldehyde. Together, they navigate a world that's both humorous and poignant. The novel's comedy and carefully crafted narrative voice help it overcome the cliches of the genre, making it a fun and engaging read. While it doesn't entirely break the mold, it's a promising start that could translate well into a film. Browne's first novel, republished here, shows potential but occasionally lacks the depth needed to truly bring the genre back to life. With Diablo Cody co-producing the film adaptation, there's hope that it might exceed expectations on the big screen.
Quick quotes
Upon reading the novel you discover something far more entertaining than its synopsis promises.
It’s a fun book and will make an entertaining film.
Browne’s Bram Stoker Award-nominated first novel (republished here as his fourth) promises deadpan humour with brains even if the writer sometimes lacks the guts needed to truly bring the genre back from the dead.