THE LAZARUS CONDITION by Paul Kane - Books

Format: Trade Paperback

Publisher: Tasmaniac Press

The Lazarus Condition

"Paul Kane's THE LAZARUS CONDITION is a wonderfully unsettling tale of resurrection, self-recrimination, and our reluctance to confront issues of both mortality and immortality. Humanity leaves behind the remains of our loved ones and walls of our hearts as best we can from feeling their absence, sometimes as easily but always with as much necessity as a snake shedding its skin.

Paul Kane holds up a mirror to show us just how frightened of the end we really are and how much of human nature is involved in moving on after loss. He's here to remind us that none of us is ever really ready to leave this life...and certainly not ready to come back and answer for what we might have done while living it.

An excellent novella, backed up with a quick jolt short story called 'Dead Time ,' which is, in some ways, the other side of the coin.

Paul Kane has offered you a dark and contemplative gift.
I recommend you take it."
Christopher Golden - The Myth Hunters, The Boys are Back in Town

'A brilliant zombie story with a hell of a difference -- compelling, sensitive, deeply touching and leavened with a subtle humour.'
Simon Clark - Darkness Demands, Death's Dominion.

"A disturbing and very creepy take on the zombie theme, this one builds slowly and effectively to a surprising, moving climax."
Tim Lebbon - Dawn, The Everlasting

Review by Mark Smith-Briggs of Horrorscope.

The Lazarus Condition is the new novella from British Fantasy Award nominee Paul Kane (Funnybones, Touching the Flame). It is the debut release for Australian small press publisher Tasmaniac Publications. RRP: $22.95
The Lazarus Condition is an excellent read. The unsettling, and at times moving, novella follows the story of Matthew Daley, a man who reappears seven years after his death to the disbelief of his friends, family and the authorities to exact revenge on those that wronged him.

Littered with religious undertones, the story focuses on themes of loss, grief and the impact someone would have if the long dead arrived on their doorstep. It also avoids the clichés of many zombie stories, Daley is neither incoherent nor a rotting corpse. Instead he is presented as an intelligent, but confused reincarnation of his former self – a man to whom the past seven years never happened.

Kane draws you into Daley’s struggles with sharp, active prose. The details of Matthew’s death, along with the true reason for his return are left unanswered at first, being revealed in bites and nibbles that progress the story, rather than just fill us in. The chapters are short and to the point, building nicely until the surprisingly touching ending. All of this is backed by strong, rounded support characters that help us to connect with Matthew’s struggles and the impact he is having on those around him.

At 96 pages, the Lazarus Condition is a story that can be enjoyed in one sitting and is probably at its most potent when it is. So sit, read and enjoy. The horror element may be more subtle that you’re used to in a zombie tale, but the impact is every bit as powerful.

Also included is the bonus short story Dead Time which takes a more traditional view at the problems of an undead plague.

Details


SKU	SKU16756
Store:	Bloodletting Books
Author:	Paul Kane
Publisher:	Tasmaniac Press
Edition:	Trade Paperback
Page Count:	120
Print Run:	185
Price:	$22.00

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Author: Jason Perlman
I decided to get the Lettered edition direct from the publisher, and although the edition itself was no great shakes, the writing and story was a real treat. It reminded me a bit of Tom Piccirilli's Fuckin' Lie Down Already in it's pace and demeanor, although not nearly as graphic for those who want that in their story. This was a great take on the end of the world and the emotions of loss, gain and everything in between. If you got an extra $22 give it a try, especially if you like your tales more like Braunbeck and Piccirilli versus say Keene or Ed Lee.