Swan Song

I came across this novel while browsing the Horror section on Amazon. This is something I do from time to time: I want a new novel, so I just wander aimlessly through genres until something catches my eye. Swan Song was on sale, and even at 99 cents, I was still a bit skeptical. I hadn't heard of the author, the plot sounded a bit The Stand-y, and mentions of a "psychic girl" (which is actually fairly inaccurate) made me rather skeptical. But I bought it anyway.And oh, wow. I read all 900 pages of this novel in two days. I read a lot of fiction, both as part of my profession and in my personal life. I can't recall the last time I was so engrossed in a novel that I stayed up well past my bedtime just to see what happens next. And when I shambled into work the next day, I immediately (and discreetly) pulled up my Kindle to eagerly finish the book. It is just that good, that engrossing, and that amazing.And I can't recall ever, in my adult life, being so struck by the horror elements of a novel like this one. From the tense discussions of nuclear war to the failed state scenery of a shambolic NYC, and all throughout McCammon's excellent portrayal of post-nuke America, there are myriad moments of brutality, gore, violence, degradation, and tension. This book does not pull punches; it earns its horror novel categorization, and it does so without being overly gratuitous or a simple bloodbath. The madness and inhumanity portrayed feels and seems real in a horrible way.Likewise, the moments of hope, optimism, and redemption complement the destruction, and are a bit folksy, but not hokey in the least. The characters are more black and-white than gray in terms of morality and actions, which could be considered a fault of the novel, but this works very well for post-apocalyptic fiction, especially in the hands of a capable author like McCammon. Speaking of his skill as a writer, the prose makes you realize why the man decided his aspirations lay beyond the horror genre, which is often looked down upon as being the purview of "hack" authors. McCammon writes very well, with appropriate metaphors and flourishes to add color, and very clear and creative diction for descriptions and actions.Dialogue, too, is a strength of his. I've often found Stephen King to be a bit too homespun with some of his characters' words; McCammon knows how to create distinct voices for his characters without going into the realm of cliched archetype. I bring up this King comparison because Swan Song is, obviously, quite similar to The Stand in some ways. I very much enjoyed The Stand, and though I enjoyed Swan Song much more (granted, it's been nearly ten years since I read The Stand), I wouldn't fault anyone for saying they enjoyed the earlier novel more. Reading both is a good use of your time.Again, I do have to emphasize that this is a true horror novel. There are gruesome deaths, disturbing imageries, painful flashbacks, and hard journeys in store for all of the characters. Nuclear winter is not a hospitable environment; McCannon even goes so far as to (light spoiler) kill some animals whom we all become attached to. I mention all this for two reasons. One: if you're looking for a truly horrifying novel, this is it. Two: A recent review said this is for "all ages." I'd have nightmares for weeks if I read this as a child.There are two major criticisms I've heard about this novel. One is that the characterizations are a bit too sketchy. I can understand a reader finding fault with some of the rushed love subplots, but since Swan Song is already 900 pages long, I definitely prefer a bit of instalove to a romance novella's worth of lovey dovey. The other criticism revolves around the supernatural elements that go unexplained. Not to be too much of an apologist, but, without giving too much away, this just wasn't on my mind when I was reading. The plot and characters more than compensate for any faults you might with the celestial tinges.Having read reviews and scoured the internet for more information, I feel like Swan Song is a bit of a cult novel. There are mentions, on Amazon and elsewhere, of people getting tattoos of the books cover, of fan adaptations using characters names, and of top-10 lists with this at the top.It doesn't make sense to rank a novel like Swan Song against, say, Gatsby or Middlemarch, or Twilight or Harry Potter for that matter, but I will say this. Among post-apocalyptic fiction, Swan Song deserves a place at the top. And among horror novels - which is a much broader and larger category - I really do think it is a top 5. Maybe it hasn't been as influential or well-known as some of the others, but it's definitely an accomplishment of a book. This is everything and more that I could hope for from genre fiction. And had someone told me I was about to take a wicked trip to the dark side, I would have gladly paid full price for this book. So I'm writing this review for you, ambivalent book-lover. Check this one out - then let me know what McCannon novel I should check out next. I just got Boy's Life, which I heard was his best. In any case, Swan Song will stick with me for a long, long time.

Before I start my review: Swan Song was first published in 1987. It is a product of it's time in a lot of ways, although not as bad as other horror novels from that time. Just something to be aware of. Also, it's essentially a fantasy novel, so all bets are off. If you know about nuclear war, throw out what you know for a bit. But to call Swan Song a fantasy novel really doesn't do it justice. It's fantasy, it's horror, it's a fairy tale, and it's a story of hope. (And in my not so humble opinion it's better than, all versions of, The Stand.)Swan Song is a post-apocalyptic epic that tells the story about the aftermath of a nuclear war. You follow the good guys, the bad guys, and a really bad guy on a walking tour of a destroyed country. You'll meet Josh, a wrestler, and his adopted daughter, Swan (who is a very special person). You'll meet Sister, a former bag lady who travels with a mysterious and powerful piece of glass. You'll also meet her companions, Paul a failed poet and Arthur a sweet salesmen. On the other side you'll meet a Vietnam POW, Colonel Macklin, and his sociopathic side kick, Roland. You'll also meet Friend, a force of evil.The storytelling is rich. McCammon has a way of keeping your attention. Being a fan of apocalyptic fiction, the first half of this book is terrifying and amazing all at the same time. I grew up in the 80's, I listened to speeches made by an Alzheimer's ridden president declaring the other side an "Evil Empire" and making a joke on Air America about commencing a nuclear assault on the USSR (the 80's were pretty messed up). When I picked this up as an eleven year old I very much believed the scenerio that kicks off the nuclear was in this book was imminent (but it would have been much worse that the nuclear war proposed in this book).I should also mention I knew all the places he talked about in New Jersey and Manhatten because that's where I grew up. It makes this books extra special to me. Probably to my neighbors and family too, since I had nightmares galore while reading the first half and I woke everyone up often.The second half of the book keeps your attention. It's definitely where the fantasy comes in, it fits beautifully with the first half. It's hard to keep a reader wrapped up in such a long story, but McCammon handles it masterfully. There are epic novels that start to sag in the middle. They become boring and in places it feels like you're reading filler. McCammon's writing keeps you engaged throughout. You feel like Swan, Josh, and Sister are your friends. You feel like you know them, you feel like you'd want to be friends with them. The bad guys, Roland and Colonel Macklin, stay scary and threatening, you either know people like them, or you know of them. The Big Bad, well he hunts the reader as much as he hunts our friends. You're going to think a lot about what he is, he's a scary and well written villain.Overall though, besides all the genres Swan Song fits into, it's a story of hope. Swan is one of the best written heroines I've ever had the pleasure of reading. In spite of all the horrible things McCammon shows you, Swan is like a light in the dark.I consider this McCammon's Magnum Opus and one of the best horror novels of the 80's, I can't think of a better one actually. Highly recommended.

Second time I’ve read this book. It’s my favourite post apocalyptic book. There is not a dull moment in this book. This won’t be the last time I read it!

This book is just…amazing, wonderful, outstanding. I’ve always like post nuclear war themes, was looking for some books about it and found this book. The author’s way of describing everything is just amazing, it’s just like you are in there. The characters are so likeable and deep, you really immerse yourself with them and the story. I am suffering from this book hangover now. I miss it so much.

Touching, powerful story of redemption in a world that has become a wasteland: great characters, brilliant story and an author who has become one of my favorites.

El clásico de Robert McCammon " El canto del cisne" la gran Novela Apocalíptica.Ya que no la editan en español, compré el libro en inglés.La recomiendo.

One of the saddest attemp at riding on an another author wave i had the misfortune to read. Just read the stand.