The Jetty Journals

The Jetty Journals is a post-apocalyptic horror novel for young adults by Ian Buchanan, independently published on May 14, 2009. Although the novel never uses the term "zombie" or "undead," it is both in spirit and substance, a "zombie novel."
Plot summary
A virus, possibly developed for military use, was accidentally released in the United States. Authorities failed to contain the spread of infection in due time. Soon the virus reached Australian shores, infecting both human and canine population, turning every one into a diseased, mindless flesh munching creature.
Four ordinary teenagers (not one of them even old enough to have a driver’s license) who recently recovered from a chicken pox infection were immune to the virus. Chased by diseased “ferals” almost every step of the way, they sought refuge along the Mornington Peninsula, exploring and salvaging what they can from ghost towns and abandoned resorts. Equipped with nothing more than a rifle, a tomahawk, a wooden pole, a rolling pin, and tactics learned from video strategy games, they battle the feral hordes to win back their neck of the woods.
Narrative Device/Style
The novel is a first-person narrative from the point of view of one of the female characters, Karen, a 17 year old teenager, who fled the City of Melbourne after being ordered to by her sick father. The novel vaguely suggests that it was written perhaps one year after the virus first appeared in Australia.
Similarities to zombies in 28 days Later
The "ferals" in Buchanan's The Jetty Journals is very much similar to the zombies in Alex Garland's 28 days later. Both Buchanan's "ferals" and Garland's zombies are not truly dead, but humans who became insane savage creatures, who would tear apart any living being within their grasp, and are capable of infecting victims who survive the attack.
The author mentions in his website that the novel was an homage to "Day of the Triffids" and "28 days later."

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