Title: The Hunger
Author: Alma Katsu
First published March 6, 2018
376 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780735212510 (ISBN10: 0735212511)
Rating: 3.62
Overview
In the harrowing journey across the Oregon Trail, a sense of foreboding looms over the pioneers of the Donner Party. With dwindling supplies, internal strife, and an inexplicable death of a young boy, the group becomes convinced they are being stalked by an unseen evil.
Some blame Tamsen Donner, rumored to be a witch, while others question the decision to take a treacherous experimental route. As the snow piles up and the freezing temperatures set in, the group begins to unravel, and the line between reality and madness blurs.
But what if their fears are not unfounded? What if something truly malevolent and ravenous is waiting for them in the mountains?
Alma Katsu’s The Hunger is a chilling account of one of the most disastrous western adventures in American history, where survival means facing an insatiable and ancient hunger.
About the Author
Stephen King can’t put it down and Publishers Weekly claims it makes the supernatural seem possible. It’s no wonder that The Hunger has become one of NPR’s 100 favorite horror stories and has been nominated for both Stoker and Locus awards.
The author, who also wrote The Deep, a reimagining of the Titanic sinking, has now given us The Hunger, a gripping tale that reimagines the tragic journey of the Donner Party. This talented author has also written The Taker, The Reckoning, and The Descent, with The Taker being recognized by ALA/Booklist as one of the top ten debut novels of 2011.
If you’re looking for a thrilling read, The Hunger should be at the top of your list – just don’t read it after dark.
Editoral Review
The Hunger by Alma Katsu is a haunting and chilling tale of survival and sacrifice that will leave readers mesmerized. Katsu, known for her historical fiction, expertly blends together fact and fiction to tell the story of the doomed Donner party, a group of pioneers who set out on a trek across the western United States in the mid-nineteenth century.
The book was first published on March 6, 2018, and has earned rave reviews from critics and readers alike. The Hunger is categorized as historical fiction, but it also employs elements of horror and fantasy.
Katsu’s writing style is vivid and atmospheric, drawing readers into the bleak and unforgiving world of the Donner party. She spares no detail in describing the desperation and fear that the pioneers faced as they were stranded in the mountains during a harsh winter.
The primary theme of the book is survival, and Katsu portrays this struggle in a visceral and engaging way. The plot of The Hunger revolves around the Donner party’s journey to California and the intense trials they face along the way.
George Donner, the group’s leader, is a complex and flawed character who wrestles with his ambition and his loyalty to his fellow pioneers. The other main characters include Tamsen Donner, George’s wife, who is wrestling with the ghosts of her past, and Elitha Cumi Donner, George’s daughter, who is grappling with the harsh realities of the trail.
Katsu has done an excellent job of setting the scene for The Hunger, evocatively describing the stark beauty of the American west and the harsh, unrelenting environment that the pioneers have to confront. She seamlessly blends together the historical events of the Donner party’s journey with imaginative and supernatural elements that add depth and intrigue to the story.
The writing in The Hunger is lyrical and evocative. Katsu’s prose captures the bleakness and uncertainty of the Donner party’s situation and draws readers into their plight.
The character development in the book is superb, as Katsu explores the motivations, fears, and desires of each character in a nuanced and thoughtful way. One of the few criticisms of The Hunger is that the pacing can be somewhat slow at times.
Some readers may find that the book drags in parts, particularly during the early chapters. However, this slow burn approach is a hallmark of horror fiction and serves to ratchet up the tension and anticipation as the story progresses.
The Hunger is a unique and gripping work that is sure to appeal to fans of horror and historical fiction. Katsu has succeeded in crafting a haunting and eerie world populated by flawed and compelling characters.
The book is a thought-provoking exploration of survival, sacrifice, and the human condition. Overall, The Hunger is a tour de force of the historical fiction genre, blending together elements of horror and fantasy to create a wholly original and unforgettable story.
Readers who enjoy a good scare and thought-provoking storytelling will not want to miss out on this gem. The Washington Post gives The Hunger a five-star rating, citing its intricate plotting, vivid characterizations, and powerful themes.
