“Calcutta, Lord of Nerves” by Poppy Z. Brite is a dark and fascinating look at the city of Calcutta, which has become the site of a zombie infestation. The zombies, however, are not the main focus of the story – rather, it is the unnamed protagonist who was born in this city of death. Brite describes the setting in stark, graphic detail, unafraid of the ghastliness of it all. It’s a kind of fearlessness you don’t see from many horror authors.
The protagonist is interesting, because he revels in the death and disease of Calcutta, seemingly more at home there than anywhere else. The roving groups of dead do not bother him, for he’s comfortable with death: his mother died in childbirth and the hospital he was born in burned to the ground. So, death has followed him since birth. Still, a late-night encounter at a temple causes him to realize that death is not something to be in awe of, but to be feared and respected.
– Michael Malan, Blogger
Editor’s Note: Mike Malan recently graduated from Lewis University with a degree in English with a sub-speciality in Creative Writing. Mike especially enjoys writing gothic, Poe and all things that chill your bones. He is a dark writer but you can find him dabbling in politics. He is also interested in the editing process and hopes that you will enjoy his work.
