Ling Ma's debut novel is a genre-bending meditation on capitalism, immigration, and modern alienation wrapped in a zombie apocalypse narrative. The story follows Candace Chen, a first-generation Chinese-American working at a Bible publishing company in New York, as she witnesses society's collapse due to Shen Fever—a pandemic that turns people into mindless automatons repeating familiar routines until death.

Ma's genius lies in drawing parallels between zombie-like corporate life and actual zombification, creating a darkly funny critique of late-stage capitalism. The novel alternates between Candace's pre-apocalypse office life and her post-disaster journey with a group of survivors, exploring themes of belonging, cultural identity, and what constitutes meaningful existence.

Ma's prose is precise and understated, with a dry humor that prevents the heavy themes from becoming overwhelming. Candace is a compelling protagonist—neither hero nor victim, but a realistic young woman trying to find purpose in both the mundane and extraordinary circumstances. The book excels at capturing millennial ennui and the immigrant experience, particularly the pressure to assimilate while maintaining cultural identity.

Ma's background in photography shows in her vivid, almost cinematic descriptions of empty cities and abandoned spaces.

However, the dual timeline structure occasionally feels uneven, with some readers finding the pre-apocalypse sections slower-paced than the survival narrative. The ending, while thematically appropriate, may frustrate those seeking clear resolution. The zombie elements, while metaphorically rich, are relatively light on traditional horror thrills. This book will resonate strongly with readers interested in literary fiction that tackles contemporary social issues, particularly millennials navigating career dissatisfaction and cultural displacement. Fans of speculative fiction with philosophical depth will appreciate Ma's fresh take on familiar apocalyptic tropes. However, readers seeking fast-paced horror or clear-cut survival adventures might find the contemplative pace and ambiguous conclusion unsatisfying. Those uncomfortable with critiques of capitalism and consumer culture may also struggle with the book's central themes.