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Glorious Plague
Hallie is missing—and so are thousands of others. Everywhere people are singing—climbing to the rooftops, to the bridges, to lamp post and road sign, steeple and water tower, singing gloriously, triumphantly, tirelessly—and dying.
Hallie’s mother, Dale, goes to Manhattan to search for her. She drives in from rural New Jersey, passing abandoned cars and trucks, to make her way to the jammed George Washington Bridge, rejoicing with hymns and gospel and rock and opera.
The plague moves swiftly, and the city’s survivors form new communities, dealing with the rotting corpses, trying to re-establish a new infrastructure for the new order.
And odd things happen—angels come to earth, Christ drags his crucifix around Rockefeller Center, the Indian god Ganesh runs for mayor—but it doesn’t seem remarkable to the survivors. A man falls in love with a mermaid and decides to throw in his fortunes with hers, only to be attacked by an animal liberated from the zoo. Politics begins to assert itself, as does real estate issues, and it matters what—and who—you believe. It’s time to choose sides.
Hallie’s mother, Dale, goes to Manhattan to search for her. She drives in from rural New Jersey, passing abandoned cars and trucks, to make her way to the jammed George Washington Bridge, rejoicing with hymns and gospel and rock and opera.
The plague moves swiftly, and the city’s survivors form new communities, dealing with the rotting corpses, trying to re-establish a new infrastructure for the new order.
And odd things happen—angels come to earth, Christ drags his crucifix around Rockefeller Center, the Indian god Ganesh runs for mayor—but it doesn’t seem remarkable to the survivors. A man falls in love with a mermaid and decides to throw in his fortunes with hers, only to be attacked by an animal liberated from the zoo. Politics begins to assert itself, as does real estate issues, and it matters what—and who—you believe. It’s time to choose sides.
- GenresScience Fiction
275 pages, Paperback
First published February 13, 2014
About the author
Karen Heuler
64 books71 followersKaren Heuler’s stories have appeared in over 100 literary and speculative journals and anthologies, such as F&SF and Asimov's and Conjunctions. She has won an O. Henry award, been nominated for Pushcart and Best American Short Story awards, and was a finalist for the Bellwether Award and the Shirley Jackson Award. The New York Times called her first collection, "The Other Door," “haunting and quirky.” Her short-story collection, "The Inner City," was listed as one of Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2013. Her novels include "Glorious Plague," about a beautiful apocalypse. Her last book, "The Splendid City," from Angry Robot Books, exiles a novice witch and the man she illegally turned into a cat to Liberty (formerly known as Texas), where constant parades and missing water make life interesting. Her newest collection, "A Slice of the Dark," messes up reality a bit--just a bit--maybe a little more than a bit--with strange tales that might explain a lot.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 23, 2014
I believe Karen Heuler's Glorious Plague, at least at the beginning of her strange and thoughtful novel, just may depict the happiest apocalypse in literary history. The victims climb up to the highest point they can find and sing inspirational songs in rhapsodic feelings of bliss. Unfortunately they also die so all is not roses and puppies.
Dale is collecting livestock feed samples for her government work when she first starts noticing the strange and deadly behavior mentioned above. She and Omar, an entomologist, may have an idea to why this illness is spreading but her research is interrupted when her daughter Hallie become missing. She goes to New York City to search for her and finds there are few survivors, a general loss of direction by all who are left, and a few suspiciously eager to take a leader's role. Add on to the apocalypse scenario the appearance of angels in the sky, Jesus dragging a cross through the streets, and the elephant god Ganesh running for mayor and you have a very odd situation indeed. The question that crops up is: Are these events reality or does the plague virus still have a hold on them?
The author has accomplished a rather quiet take on the apocalypse. That is not to say there are not some very disturbing moments in her book. However, she is directing the narrative from the eyes of the protagonists and many of these odd occurrences look very normal to them. Heuler does a great job in communicating that perspective. I would call this an example of magical realism in any other novel but the author's style is best described as speculative or science fiction rather than horror or fantasy. There are a number of various perspectives and interpretations as the author moves from one character to another. But I found it a bit annoying as they seem to switch whenever I start hoping for some resolution to the character's dilemma. But that is not a criticism as Heuler doesn't seem to be interested in resolution but rather in an examination of how we perceive reality, especially in the way that reality is shaped by our religious perspectives. The question of what shapes our view of life is never too far away and it is fascinating to read the subtle way Heuler addresses the issue.
But in the long run, I still wanted to see a little more resolution in the plot process. There is a very open ended conclusion typical of the type that signals a sequel that i found unfortunate. While i enjoyed the ride I didn't find myself caring enough about any one character to wonder what will happen in the future. I wish Heuler espoused her ideas more directly at times. However I usually am enthusiastic over books where the author lets the reader do some of the work, so you could say I am a bit conflicted over it. The bottom line is, despite minor issues, I found Glorious Plague to be a thoughtful, unique, and ultimately enthralling novel I can recommend to the fans of apocalypse fiction.
Dale is collecting livestock feed samples for her government work when she first starts noticing the strange and deadly behavior mentioned above. She and Omar, an entomologist, may have an idea to why this illness is spreading but her research is interrupted when her daughter Hallie become missing. She goes to New York City to search for her and finds there are few survivors, a general loss of direction by all who are left, and a few suspiciously eager to take a leader's role. Add on to the apocalypse scenario the appearance of angels in the sky, Jesus dragging a cross through the streets, and the elephant god Ganesh running for mayor and you have a very odd situation indeed. The question that crops up is: Are these events reality or does the plague virus still have a hold on them?
The author has accomplished a rather quiet take on the apocalypse. That is not to say there are not some very disturbing moments in her book. However, she is directing the narrative from the eyes of the protagonists and many of these odd occurrences look very normal to them. Heuler does a great job in communicating that perspective. I would call this an example of magical realism in any other novel but the author's style is best described as speculative or science fiction rather than horror or fantasy. There are a number of various perspectives and interpretations as the author moves from one character to another. But I found it a bit annoying as they seem to switch whenever I start hoping for some resolution to the character's dilemma. But that is not a criticism as Heuler doesn't seem to be interested in resolution but rather in an examination of how we perceive reality, especially in the way that reality is shaped by our religious perspectives. The question of what shapes our view of life is never too far away and it is fascinating to read the subtle way Heuler addresses the issue.
But in the long run, I still wanted to see a little more resolution in the plot process. There is a very open ended conclusion typical of the type that signals a sequel that i found unfortunate. While i enjoyed the ride I didn't find myself caring enough about any one character to wonder what will happen in the future. I wish Heuler espoused her ideas more directly at times. However I usually am enthusiastic over books where the author lets the reader do some of the work, so you could say I am a bit conflicted over it. The bottom line is, despite minor issues, I found Glorious Plague to be a thoughtful, unique, and ultimately enthralling novel I can recommend to the fans of apocalypse fiction.
September 18, 2014
`What's real? How much does it matter.'
Karen Heuler is now as established on the fiction novel scene as she first was a prizewinning short story writer. Perhaps that is a path more authors should take. It is rewarding to read such a fine extended novel from a writer who has specialized in the terse, concise, brief span of the short story mode: many who excel in that arena find the challenge of a long novel daunting. Heuler has become an American literary treasure, now among the finest prose stylists writing in the English language. It is her beautiful prose and vivid characterization that make this alluring novel a page-turner. This is a writer of exceptional talent, a writer who is a joy to read.
Far too many writers are tackling the theme of post-apocalypse, and perhaps that is a sign of the times. But where others concentrate on the devastation and the plethora of gore, Heuler manages to create a parody in this beautifully designed novel - a poke into all the religious versions of the end of the world and in doing so supplies us with human interest and the grand human comedy in the Greek sense. This is a glorious `what if' novel, told with such conviction that it seems entirely possible. Can the apocalypse be like this? The way things are going at present it is not outside the realm of possibility. How I would love to see the creators/producers/directors/audiences that constantly applaud every variation of Marvel comic book stories and related absurdities get hold of this book. Now THERE is entertainment.
Meanwhile bask in the beauty of what Karen Heuler has done this time - and that is from one who has read most of her books to date. A winner!
Karen Heuler is now as established on the fiction novel scene as she first was a prizewinning short story writer. Perhaps that is a path more authors should take. It is rewarding to read such a fine extended novel from a writer who has specialized in the terse, concise, brief span of the short story mode: many who excel in that arena find the challenge of a long novel daunting. Heuler has become an American literary treasure, now among the finest prose stylists writing in the English language. It is her beautiful prose and vivid characterization that make this alluring novel a page-turner. This is a writer of exceptional talent, a writer who is a joy to read.
Far too many writers are tackling the theme of post-apocalypse, and perhaps that is a sign of the times. But where others concentrate on the devastation and the plethora of gore, Heuler manages to create a parody in this beautifully designed novel - a poke into all the religious versions of the end of the world and in doing so supplies us with human interest and the grand human comedy in the Greek sense. This is a glorious `what if' novel, told with such conviction that it seems entirely possible. Can the apocalypse be like this? The way things are going at present it is not outside the realm of possibility. How I would love to see the creators/producers/directors/audiences that constantly applaud every variation of Marvel comic book stories and related absurdities get hold of this book. Now THERE is entertainment.
Meanwhile bask in the beauty of what Karen Heuler has done this time - and that is from one who has read most of her books to date. A winner!
April 12, 2015
It's always a pleasure to read a Karen Heuler fantasy. She takes standard tropes—in Glorious Plague, a disease-driven apocalypse—and turns them on their heads. So yes, this apocalypse is caused by human mishandling of science, but the result is quite clever, and the impact less violent and gruesome, more personal and emotional. (I love that the inspiration for the novel was the sight of real insects that climb to the highest part of a plant and stay there until they die.)
Heuler creates a bizarre world and makes us believe in it, in part because the characters are believable—with real and competing desires, not wholly good or bad. I found I empathized with even the minor ones. I also appreciate how the readers' perception of the plague develops gradually. Our skepticism and confusion builds with the protagonist's, and as the new normal sinks in for her, we also learn to accept it. Small details about the results of the plague have big impact; they make fantasy real.
Heuler weaves some serious topics into her tale. The story is not preachy, but of course we can infer a distrust of overzealous science, and there's an interesting look at religion. Is it a source of, if not healing, comfort? Or is religion itself some sort of plague? A close read will reveal other themes that add depth to this novel.
You can read Glorious Plague simply for the engaging story and enjoy it, but better to dive deeper than surface-action. It's one of those books you often find yourself thinking about, long after you've finished reading it.
Heuler creates a bizarre world and makes us believe in it, in part because the characters are believable—with real and competing desires, not wholly good or bad. I found I empathized with even the minor ones. I also appreciate how the readers' perception of the plague develops gradually. Our skepticism and confusion builds with the protagonist's, and as the new normal sinks in for her, we also learn to accept it. Small details about the results of the plague have big impact; they make fantasy real.
Heuler weaves some serious topics into her tale. The story is not preachy, but of course we can infer a distrust of overzealous science, and there's an interesting look at religion. Is it a source of, if not healing, comfort? Or is religion itself some sort of plague? A close read will reveal other themes that add depth to this novel.
You can read Glorious Plague simply for the engaging story and enjoy it, but better to dive deeper than surface-action. It's one of those books you often find yourself thinking about, long after you've finished reading it.
April 6, 2016
A very weird novel about a very weird apocalypse, beautifully written. The pace is slow -- Heuler is less concerned with plot than with how her characters adapt to their strange new world of gods, angels, devils, and a lack of municipal infrastructure -- but the emotional payoffs are authentic and worth the effort. I'm also convinced there's a deft political allegory lurking just beneath the surface of this novel, but that's neither here nor there. Read it for the unique experience it offers. I'm certain you've never read an apocalypse tale quite like this one.
August 29, 2014
You've never read an apocalypse quite like this. Like Karen's other inventive and intelligent works, I remain impressed by her characters' humanity and the story's fearlessness.
December 13, 2015
I received this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway and found it to be an unusual twist on the post-apocalyptic novel. We enter a world about to experience a major change. The majority of the population of the U.S. (we don't know if this is a pandemic as the news media shuts down rapidly) is overcome with a need to climb to the highest point available and sing joyously and continuously -- until they drop dead.
Hallie, a real estate agent in New York City, succumbs to the plague. Her mother, Dale, is investigating a related phenomenon in rural areas effecting insects and cows. When she loses touch with Hallie, Dale makes her way to the city to find her daughter. Instead she finds a society trying to recreate itself in the wake of the mass deaths. Survivors are coming together to clean up the bodies and reestablish some sort of order, but the inevitable factions form, vying for control. Elections are called for and only one group can be declared the winner.
People soon notice something unusual, the appearance of some extraordinary creatures. Various gods, demons, angels, and mythological figures appear in the city. At first this causes consternation, but they are soon accepted. After all, they're right there in front of everyone's eyes.
Heuler poses an interesting question: If everyone is seeing the same thing, it must be real, right? Does it even matter? A thought provoking novel, this one will stick with you long after you turn the last page.
Hallie, a real estate agent in New York City, succumbs to the plague. Her mother, Dale, is investigating a related phenomenon in rural areas effecting insects and cows. When she loses touch with Hallie, Dale makes her way to the city to find her daughter. Instead she finds a society trying to recreate itself in the wake of the mass deaths. Survivors are coming together to clean up the bodies and reestablish some sort of order, but the inevitable factions form, vying for control. Elections are called for and only one group can be declared the winner.
People soon notice something unusual, the appearance of some extraordinary creatures. Various gods, demons, angels, and mythological figures appear in the city. At first this causes consternation, but they are soon accepted. After all, they're right there in front of everyone's eyes.
Heuler poses an interesting question: If everyone is seeing the same thing, it must be real, right? Does it even matter? A thought provoking novel, this one will stick with you long after you turn the last page.
April 23, 2014
I read an excerpt from this novel on Tor.com, and you should go read it too! It's a postapocalyptical novel, which is not generally my cup of tea, but the vehicle of the apocalypse, and the characters – no emo teens or big macho heroes but plain old people - some good, some bad - were absolutely unique and enthralling. In some ways it seemed reminiscent of "Welcome to Night Vale", with the bizarre progression of post-apocalyptical events, which are accepted pretty much as a matter of course by the survivors. It also reminded me of "The Stand" (I think; it's been quite a while since I read it) in the political and sociological posturing deemed necessary for the Brave New World. I was a bit disappointed, as I always am, that the thing wasn't resolved at the end, but set up for more books, but I suppose that apocalypses (apocalypti?) can't really be sorted out all that quickly. I can't remember the last time I've enjoyed something so much.
April 17, 2016
I love post-apocalyptic novels (as well as apocalyptic ones) and I enjoy this one a lot due to the originality of its apocalypse and post consequences. There are no supernatural creatures or living dead to fight but only a "apparently" calm situation and a society to rebuild. Then the twist is given by the apparition of angels and gods walking on earth, but they are not interfering with the people's life that much. Society is need to be rebuilt and there are choice to make in order to choose the next leader.
October 7, 2014
This well written story was great until it got really unbelievable. There were great characters, good plot and great writing. But at a certain point I would stop and say, "Hey this is a little crazy, maybe something is going on", but no one ever does. I'm sorry but that is just unrealistic. I received this book for free through a Goodreads First Reads give away.
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February 2, 2017really good book. alot of cool stuff going on. had hard time puting it down.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews