Review by Debjani Ghosh -- Undead Redhead by Jen Frankel

Debjani Ghosh · Post by **Debjani Ghosh** » 12 Oct 2018, 11:12

[Following is a volunteer review of "Undead Redhead" by Jen Frankel.]

4 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

Sharon Backovic, a girl with red hair, shambles out of her coffin as a zombie, after she dies tragically at her best friend’s wedding photo-shoot. She is still wearing the horrible pink bridesmaid’s dress. V. X. Morgoni, a reporter, investigates paranormal occurrences and is hot on the trail of a red-haired zombie wearing a fuchsia pink dress who accosted her on a bus stop. A minor-league actress impersonates the zombie Sharon to get her fifteen minutes of fame. How will these three stories collide?

Undead Redhead by Jen Frankel is a fantasy horror novel that combines mystery and satire to deliver a stunning work of fiction. It is far from the cliched novels that one would expect in the zombie genre since our protagonist is a vegan. Go figure!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book since it is a unique take on the zombie genre without deriving from its cheap thrills. Rather, it cashes in on the creepiness of the zombie lore. I felt disgusted after reading the stomach-churning portrayal of Sharon’s diet, but it steadily grows on you. The absence of her family and friends at her own funeral constitutes the only macabre thing in this book. Frankel accurately describes zombie behavior and brings out the confusion, anger, and anguish of Sharon post her transformation perfectly. Her method of creation, which was entertaining to know about, also sets her apart from any other zombie – she does not lose her memories or personality.

Although there is no clear demarcation, the book has two halves – in the first, Sharon is still coming to terms with her death, and retains her meekness from her “life”. As a result, she tries to meet with her so-called friends who all act like contemptibly foolish and arrogant people and expect her to behave like a doormat like she always had. Sharon still wants to do anything to salvage her relationship with her obnoxious friend Dorri who hardly cares for her. It tugs at your heartstrings. In the second half, Sharon finally realizes her worth and understands that having just one or two persons as friends who care for her is liberating.

Some parts of the story deal with reportage on social media. The lexicon used here is realistic, but I found these parts frustrating to read since they lacked the author’s magnificent vocabulary. The author takes a dig at the present day’s click-happy and social media obsessed generation. The propensity to gulp down misinformation and its ramifications have been realistically (and hilariously) portrayed here. There is a savage satisfaction one gets upon reading the explosive climax that ties together all the loose ends by literally bringing together all the characters.

The only complaint I found with this book was the lack of attention to detail. For instance, two days post her zombification, when her memories are still hazy, and Sharon is unable to remember much about her life, she easily remembers her email password. Further, another two days later, all her memories come back with a startling speed. However, they don’t diminish the quality of this story at all.

In the light of the above points stated, I will gladly rate this fast-paced, uplifting, entertaining, and professionally edited zombie tale 4 out of 4 stars. Lack of gut-spilling atrocity makes it suitable for a young audience.

******
Undead Redhead
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like Debjani Ghosh's review? Post a comment saying so!

Espie · Post by **Espie** » 15 Oct 2018, 02:56

A vegan zombie's story with splashes of the social media hype and the web's infamous misinformation trends seem to make this piece a relevant, relatable, and timely metaphorical work. Thank you for catching and sharing the vibe through your catchy review.

Debjani Ghosh · Post by **Debjani Ghosh** » 15 Oct 2018, 03:46

Espie wrote: ↑15 Oct 2018, 02:56 A vegan zombie's story with splashes of the social media hype and the web's infamous misinformation trends seem to make this piece a relevant, relatable, and timely metaphorical work. Thank you for catching and sharing the vibe through your catchy review.

Yes, it is indeed a relatable work. Thanks for your comment.

Sahani Nimandra · Post by **Sahani Nimandra** » 15 Oct 2018, 08:12

Vegan zombie, this is new! You remind me of the point where in Twilight the Cullens are vegan vampires. The idea sounds interesting, and it's quite clear that the review has enjoyed this read. Thank you for your review!

Quinto · Post by **Quinto** » 15 Oct 2018, 08:48

Great review, Debjani Ghosh. Its good to know this isn't a cliched zombie story. I also like the creativity the author has expended on the plot.

Debjani Ghosh · Post by **Debjani Ghosh** » 15 Oct 2018, 13:33

Sahani Nimandra wrote: ↑15 Oct 2018, 08:12 Vegan zombie, this is new! You remind me of the point where in Twilight the Cullens are vegan vampires. The idea sounds interesting, and it's quite clear that the review has enjoyed this read. Thank you for your review!

Ah! you brought an interesting analogy with the Cullens. Thanks for your comments!

Debjani Ghosh · Post by **Debjani Ghosh** » 15 Oct 2018, 13:34

Quinto wrote: ↑15 Oct 2018, 08:48 Great review, Debjani Ghosh. Its good to know this isn't a cliched zombie story. I also like the creativity the author has expended on the plot.

Yes, the author was indeed creative with the plot. Thanks for commenting!

Manang Muyang · Post by **Manang Muyang** » 15 Oct 2018, 15:25

I am no zombie fan, but Sharon seems to be the lovable kind. ln her case, it took death for her to live fully.

A vegan zombie. Social media exposed. True friendship. I'm dying to bite into this book. Thanks for your splendid review!

Debjani Ghosh · Post by **Debjani Ghosh** » 15 Oct 2018, 21:44

Miriam Molina wrote: ↑15 Oct 2018, 15:25 I am no zombie fan, but Sharon seems to be the lovable kind. ln her case, it took death for her to live fully.

A vegan zombie. Social media exposed. True friendship. I'm dying to bite into this book. Thanks for your splendid review!

Yes, Sharon is a lovable, harmless zombie. Thanks for your comment.

Bianka Walter · Post by **Bianka Walter** » 16 Oct 2018, 02:15

Sharon was definitely gross. The maggot part got to me the most! But also what she ate. There were many times where I wrinkled my nose.
Great review - I enjoyed it

Connie Otwani · Post by **Connie Otwani** » 16 Oct 2018, 07:15

I hope to meet this Sharon. It's intriguing her friends are not creeped by the new her, even though Iam sure they didn't initially know she is vegan! Great review!

Post by **Kajori Sheryl Paul** » 16 Oct 2018, 08:01

This seems to be quite an unusual read. I think I will give it a try.

Thank you for the great review.

Debjani Ghosh · Post by **Debjani Ghosh** » 16 Oct 2018, 08:27

Bianka Walter wrote: ↑16 Oct 2018, 02:15 Sharon was definitely gross. The maggot part got to me the most! But also what she ate. There were many times where I wrinkled my nose.
Great review - I enjoyed it

Yes, what she ate disgusted me. Thanks for your appreciation and your comment.

Debjani Ghosh · Post by **Debjani Ghosh** » 16 Oct 2018, 08:28

Cotwani wrote: ↑16 Oct 2018, 07:15 I hope to meet this Sharon. It's intriguing her friends are not creeped by the new her, even though Iam sure they didn't initially know she is vegan! Great review!

Yes, her friends did not know initially that she was vegan and were afraid of her. Thanks for your comment.