Book 3: Something Wicked This Way Comes, Ray Bradbury
I have had this book on my reading list for a long time, just, well, because. I was only peripherally aware of the story line (something about a carnival, bad things happen…). In this book, Ray Bradbury has woven a metaphor-heavy Halloween story and is worth being savoured. It is the story of two 13 year old boys, Will and Jim, alike and yet very different, trying to save their small town from an evil carnival that arrives late one October, and it’s about Will’s relationship with his insecure father who ascertains what is happening in the town and sets out the help them, at the risk of all of their lives.
The writing is brilliant and poetic, and through the use of unusual yet interestingly perfect metaphorical allusions, Ray Bradbury creates a story with incredible visual impact. The descriptions of the Illustrated Man in particular are amazingly vivid and well crafted. It is no wonder this book has served as the inspiration for myriad modern-day horror novels. I would consider this a must-read.
Rating: Buy it.