Book Review: One Yellow Eye by Leigh Radford
There’s something profoundly compelling about a narrative that breaks from the typical confines of its genre, and Leigh Radford’s One Yellow Eye does just that. When I first stumbled upon the blurb, I sensed it was not your average zombie tale. It promised a fresh take that melded emotional depth with the classic horror backdrop, and I couldn’t resist diving in. What I discovered was a haunting exploration of love, grief, and the moral quandaries surrounding scientific ambition, wrapped in a post-apocalyptic saga that tirelessly tugs at the heartstrings.
Set against the crumbling remains of London, One Yellow Eye follows Dr. Kesta Shelley, a biomedical scientist whose fierce love drives her to the edges of sanity as she secretly cares for her infected husband, Tim. Here, Radford subverts our expectations by immersing readers in Kesta’s world—a place where the undead aren’t merely mindless monsters, but the very embodiment of our deepest fears and desires. I found myself captivated by her unwavering determination to defy the government directive that has supposedly contained the zombie crisis, rationalizing the lengths to which she goes to protect her husband.
Radford’s background in broadcast journalism shines through, lending an air of authenticity to the scientific aspects of the story. I was particularly struck by her exploration of the virus’s potential links to Inclusion Body Disease in reptiles—an intriguing detail that makes the horror feel all too plausible. It’s this nuanced detail and Kesta’s internal conflicts that elevate the story beyond mere horror fiction. Phrases like “the little purple jellybeans” and “a cream-colored snake tied into an impossible knot” lingered with me, encapsulating the blend of clinical coldness and harrowing beauty in Kesta’s reflections.
Character development is another strong suit of One Yellow Eye. Kesta is an incredibly complex protagonist—her descent into obsession is both tragic and relatable. Watching her embrace madness in her struggle to save Tim was an emotional rollercoaster. The supporting cast, including the empathetic Dr. Dudley Caring and the sharp-tongued lab technician June Cooke, adds richness to her journey. Tim’s presence, despite being largely catatonic, resonates throughout the pages, reminding us of the thin line between life and unlife.
However, as I turned the pages, I couldn’t help but notice some pacing issues, especially in sections that took place in Project Dawn. While these moments were brimming with intrigue, they felt slightly drawn out, leaving me yearning for a quicker rhythm that matched the urgency of Kesta’s plight. Though I appreciated the thematic exploration of denial and the ethical dilemmas surrounding medical research, a few side characters, like Tim’s friend Jess, felt underdeveloped and didn’t quite match the intensity of the central narrative.
Ultimately, One Yellow Eye stands out as a remarkable debut that dares to redefine what horror can be. While it may not cater to those in search of conventional zombie thrills, it’s a poignant meditation on love and loss, wrapped in questions about ethics in science. For readers interested in digging deeper into complex emotional landscapes, this novel offers a thought-provoking experience.
If you’re ready to embark on a journey that challenges your perceptions of humanity and the sacrifices we make for love, then Leigh Radford’s One Yellow Eye is a hauntingly beautiful read worth your time. It lingered in my mind long after the final page, a testament to its emotional and intellectual depth.