“Bedbugs” by Ben Winters, coming soon to BPL!
At first, I thought that this book must be a spoof. Besides the fact that the author penned “Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters,” I couldn’t believe that there could actually be a serious horror/suspense novel about bedbugs. But lo, it is indeed about the pesky critters that are freaking out the nation at the moment! After reading a positive, if lukewarm, review of the book and locating an advanced reader copy, I decided to give this horror novel a go.
When Alex and Susan Wendt decide to move to a larger apartment in Brooklyn, it seems too good to be true. The price is low, the space is big, and it has a bonus room perfect for Susan’s painting studio. Shortly after moving day, things begin to fall apart. At first, Susan begins to notice small problems with their new place: cracks in the ceiling, a gapped floor board, and a strange smell in her studio. Then, Susan begins to be plagued by bedbugs that attack only her. Worst of all–no one else seems to be able to see them!
First, I have to say I love the cover. It’s beautiful, in a creepy way. I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by it’s cover and all that, but I totally do anyway.
The story reads quickly, which is good for a novel based on an epidemic that will (hopefully?) soon be out of the news, and the minds of the general public. The prose is simple without feeling forced or plodding. While there may be a few awkward passages, the narrative never loses the thread of the story.
The characters are believable, if generally flat. Susan is the most developed character, but even she felt underdeveloped. However, a large part of me appreciated this aspect of the writing, as I felt it was somehow appropriate for the book. Really, who wants to read a 500 page tome about bedbugs? Not me. A quick novel? Now that I can do. I’ll take light character development if we can just get to the creepy grossness, please!
That being said, the “horror” bit is just gross enough, without being disgusting or cheesy. I am not a fan of shock horror. I’ve never seen a “Saw” movie, and I never will. I am more a fan of psychological thrillers, suspense novels and overall wierdness, rather than slasher stories. This book definitely falls into my comfort zone. I’m just squeamish enough to find the idea of creepy crawly things unsettling, and the constant question of whether Susan is simply going crazy added an excellent aspect to the story. “Bedbugs” is not going to go down in history as a great piece of literature. But for what it is, it’s a pretty good read.
