I was drawn to the work originally for the title story (yes, after seeing the movie of the same name.) While I enjoyed the film, I was really impressed with the novella presented here. I Am Legend: I was really impressed with this collection of short stories by Richard Matheson. I would pay handsomely to see a 90-year-old Shatner screaming at vampires. But at the heart of the story is a man dealing with loneliness in a world where he himself might be more dangerous than the beasts that pursue him. The author cleverly allows his main character to research and develop scientific theories for why these creatures exist, and how they may have been present in the past. In case you've only seen the Will Smith movie of the same name, the book is about Vampires, not Zombies. Richard Matheson tends to be known for his screenwriting more than his novels, but after reading 'I Am Legend', I'm thoroughly convinced that the man can do no wrong. Or was it just before William Shatner screamed at a gremlin on the wing of a plane? Am I a fan of Richard Matheson, or am I a fan of Shatner screaming at people? There is room for debate. I first heard the name 'Richard Matheson' just before William Shatner screamed at a clone of Captain Kirk. There is also a sub plot of sexual repression that's really important to the story as well, but I must emphasize some of the sexual themes/religious blasphemy could upset many people, it's THAT disturbing. Barrett, the man of Science Florence, the empath who won't/can't protect herself.This may appear outdated but I feel it is still valid with a modernizing of terminology. Barrett offer two distinct point of views, it sets up an intellectual discussion of the house in the reader's mind. I don't know if I should say this was horrible or great! But there is meaning: Florence and Dr. I don't normally read the horror genre, but when I do I need to cleanse myself with Holy Water after. It is extremely offensive, with grotesque sexuality. Matheson conjures the meaning of evil with absolutely terrifying aspects. But even as you get to the point where you are wondering "Why don't these people leave this house NOW?" you already know it's the same reason you keep turning the pages: they are hooked. This has an effect (with a slow building intensity) of actually making you feel as if you have entered the haunted house yourself. I was dissatisfied at the end which was not his intended effect.
Needless to say, I simply didn't agree with Matheson's take on this and it kept diminishing in intensity for me. As the story began moving it lost its power, went into different directions, weakening what would have been better as a tighter storyline. It started wonderfully-the first 18 pages built up a steady anticipation. "I Am Legend"-Kind of a disappointment for me.
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