Famine (Masterton novel)

Famine is a horror novel written by Graham Masterton, published in 1981. The novel is set primarily in Iowa during a period of extreme drought and agricultural crisis.

The plot revolves around the escalating horrors inflicted upon a small rural community as their crops fail and livestock die. The cause of the famine is revealed to be supernatural in origin: ancient and malevolent Celtic deities, angered by the desecration of sacred ground, are punishing the land and its inhabitants. These deities manifest their wrath through increasingly grotesque and violent events, driving the community to the brink of madness and forcing them to resort to desperate measures to survive.

The novel is characterized by Masterton's signature graphic depictions of violence and decay, exploring themes of desperation, survival, the fragility of civilization, and the consequences of disrespecting ancient forces. The narrative focuses on the experiences of various characters within the community, showcasing their responses to the escalating horror and the moral compromises they are forced to make.

Famine is considered a notable example of Masterton's horror writing and a chilling exploration of the potential consequences of environmental and spiritual disruption.