Review: Bird Box by Josh Malerman (Spoiler-Alert)
Is it gray? Have the trees gone mad? The flowers, the reeds, the sky? Is the entire world insane? Does it battle itself? Does the Earth refute its own oceans? The wind has picked up. Has it seen something? Is it mad, too?
Took me four Josh Malerman books, but I finally read Bird Box.
Even though this is the lowest rating I've ever given one of his books (albeit, still a solid 4 stars), I really enjoyed this story. The structure was ingenious—alternating chapters between ta lone woman's attempt at escape and her past, which was full of people we know are somehow no longer in the picture. That gap adds an inherent layer of suspense and several driving questions. Why the blindfolds? Why is she alone? When did she have children? Each question is answered as the timeline unfolds, creating a natural and satisfying flow.
I understand why the creatures are kept vague in this story, but selfishly, I wish we got to know a little more. If we could have had a chapter from the perspective of someone who saw one, even if they were immediately killed off, that could have been really epic. I'd love to see what it feels like to be in their mind when they go mad. But I get that that could ruin the intended nature of this story.
I also really liked the way that humans and group dynamics became the most immediate threat to those in the safehouse. This is a tale of survival from the apocalypse, yes, but it's also a tale of survival amongst humans. That man can often be as dangerous as any creature.
All that being said, the ending was a bit lackluster. It was exciting, but felt too perfect. I don't think people would have liked this, but I kind of wish it ended as the creature held onto Malorie's blindfold. I don't know why, but that scene was a beautiful mental image. And the questions it provided: Do these creatures even mean to intend harm? Or is this all a devastating coincidence? would be nice to sit with.
I'm very excited to boot up Netflix and watch the movie!
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