Night People Review: Fevre Dream

Synopsis

Based in Mississipi, around 1982, this novel follows the strange connection between a Steam Boat owner, Marsh, and Joshua, who lives under strange conditions. Marsh has a deep passion for steam boats, and Joshua had a lot of money for a project from which he hired Marsh to undertake. Marsh’s dream to create the best Steam Boat on the river was finally coming true, but he had to do as Joshua said and never to question his strange antics. This caused conflict as time on went by, and eventually Joshua’s secrets came to surface and Marsh’s dreams came to a halt. Joshua was overcome during his project and lost. The night people take over the steam boats and Marsh struggles in life until Joshua seeks revenge with Marsh’s help.

Review

I want to start this review by saying my dad suggested this book to me. It was around halloween and I wanted something spooky. I really have him to thank!

To begin, I absolutely loved the writing style. I felt completely absorbed in the story as the flow was seamless and well constructed. It is mostly chronological with elements of flashback stories to aid understanding and connection to each character and purpose.

In addition, I particularly enjoyed how the Vampires, or should I say night people, are portrayed. There is a clear distinction on origin and borrowing, which I thought was quite clever. This is also in Anne Rice’s books. I am not really sure what came first, but there may even be an author who used this style of vampire before, too. I’d love to learn if you know!

I quite enjoyed the element of fued between traditional and morals, but also how rank is distinguished between these people. This sparked an interesting storyline as we are compelled or repelled by each encounter and chapter as we move back and forth from the different groups. I do not wish to spoil, but you would definitely enjoy how their lives are  portrayed.

Favourite Part

This is a spoiler, but the storyline of how they breed and spread was my first encounter on night people who can’t change humans. It produced a delicate nature on their preservation on life, as each loss as well as birth cannot be easily replaced. For birth, where the mother will not survive, brings a sense of empathy and desperation as the women are not easily fertile either. It was a fascinating read.

However, perhaps you may find other elements interesting. I think this is my favourite vampire book as of yet. I am interesting to know more!

I would read this again, and recommend it.