I grew up reading Richard Laymon and Jack Ketchum, so it was a neat little surprise to find a new author to add to that lofty list of hardcore, no-fear horror writers. Population Zero was my first brush with Wrath James White's writing, and I have to say...I really enjoyed it (and I'm a little hard to please when it comes to horror). I read it straight through, no stops, and promptly went to Amazon and added a bunch of his other books to my Kindle. So thanks, Wrath, for making sure I eat nothing but Ramen for the next few weeks.
Population Zero is not a bit sympathetic to the welfare class. The main character believes that they're literally "worthless eaters" and that they're destroying the earth with their nonstop breeding and manipulation of the system. So he gets the idea that maybe he can do something about it by suggesting that one welfare mother get herself 'fixed' in exchange for extra food stamps and other privileges. When that works, he goes further...and further...and the next thing you know he's Googling 'how to do a vasectomy.'
This book isn't for the faint of heart. It's graphic and gross and disgusting and cringe-worthy, and--in my opinion--absolutely worth the cover price. Every now and then, 'subtle' just doesn't do it for me. Let others have their quiet horror...I'll take visceral terror every time.
Recommended...but only for those who have the stomach for it.
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