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Pontypool Changes Everything

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Pontypool Changes Everything

Written by: Tony Burgess
Narrated by: Gary Dikeos
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The dark side of humanity is explored in this electrifying science fiction thriller in which an epidemic virus terrorizes the Earth.

Causing its inhabitants to strike out on murderous rampages, the virus is caught through conversation and, once contracted, leads its host on a strange journey - into another world where the undead roam the streets of the smallest towns and largest cities, hungry for human flesh. Describing in chilling detail what it would be like if thousands suddenly caught such a virus and struck out on a mass, never-ending, cannibalistic spree, this terrifying narrative is perfect for those who are ready to explore their darkest secret imaginings through a sinister and compelling literary work of art.

This new edition includes a new afterword on the making of the new motion picture.

©1998, 2009 Tony Burgess (P)2012 Audible, Inc. Science Fiction Thriller & Suspense Fiction Exciting Suspense
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Tony Burgess is ambitious. He relates what should be a fairly uncomplicated tale where a rural town in Ontario ('Pontypool') is the site of a uniquely "lexicon-based" viral outbreak that transforms alliterating victims into murderous undead with lamprey-like mouths (among other bizarre events in the town).. but tells it through metaphor, obscure literary references, and allegory - some of it awfully nebulous. I kept thinking about Kafka while trying to concentrate on this story - endeavoring to figure out just what the author intended. The characters are quirky, the encounters are 'WTF' intriguing, and the violence is satisfyingly campy - but the "artistic" imagery is heavyhanded.. Burgess awkwardly tries to provide a variant of "literature" to inform his surreal "stream-of-consciousness" vision.

Unfortunately, reader Gary Dikeos contributes to the already questionable entertainment value of the book with a markedly mechanical cadence & tone. His diction, timbre, and voice-acting are truly commendable - but the robotic delivery underlines Burgess's unusual approach to storytelling rather than distracting from it.

Altogether, I'm pleased that I got this cerebral SciFi/Horror audiobook as a 'Plus' option. I confess that I've never seen the film based on this novel.. but could easily see it developing a bit of a cult following (you have to pay close attention to understand what's going on, but the crazy action is fun). For "free", this 5/10-star offering was a reasonable - if somewhat confusing - distraction for a couple of quiet afternoons.
When they ask for a Credit, however, save it for something more conventional - or else stick to a text version.

Imagery-heavy "Farce". Odd Narration.

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the book is... weird. definitely not my cup of tea, which is too bad because the movie is GREAT.

movie is great

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dug the flick. the book is just as interesting and unique and raw. the only difference being there is a bit more complexity to the goings on in the book and a ruthlessly varied amount of emotional turns. stream of conscious sorta feel like naked lunch with just enough explanation of what makes the zombies tick without filling u in too thoroughly and blowing the whole experience .

like a Canadian Burroughs sorta horrorshow

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