Paperback, 272 pages
English language
Published Nov. 1, 2012 by Gollancz.
Few American novels written this century have endured in the heart and memory as has Ray Bradbury's unparalleled literary classic SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES. For those who still dream and remember, for those yet to experience the hypnotic power of its dark poetry, step inside. The show is about to begin.
The carnival rolls in sometime after midnight, ushering in Halloween a week early. The shrill siren song of a calliope beckons to all with a seductive promise of dreams and youth regained. In this season of dying, Cooger & Dark's Pandemonium Shadow Show has come to Green Town, Illinois, to destroy every life touched by its strange and sinister mystery. And two boys will discover the secret of its smoke, mazes, and mirrors; two friends who will soon know all too well the heavy cost of wishes. . .and the stuff of nightmare.
The deep fears of impermanence, and of losing someone you love
A classic horror book that stands the test of time. Will, Jim and Will’s father are characters that will stay with you long after you’ve closed the book. As will the characters and freaks that inhabit the carnival and continue to lure unsuspecting carnival goers to a somewhat unexpected end…
I rate the story a five, but I had a hard time with Bradbury’s language and style (which many adore). If you love gothic horror, this one is great, if luxuriant and Byzantine when it comes to the prose.
I re-"read" this in the audiobook version, and I'm glad I did...it was a wonderful combination of story, language, and voice.
A fine, well-crafted scary novel. Not as good as Fahrenheit 451, but definitely solidifies Ray Bradbury as an excellent author in my opinion.
Terrifying and dripping with atmosphere, Something Wicked is one of the better horror novels I've read. And, as Ray says in his afterword, you can picture each scene playing out as he describes it. I have to go back and watch the movie now.
A classic book. It's not my favorite work by Bradbury, but it's a close second to The Martian Chronicles.
