Interesting listen indeed. I had previously watched the movie and was filled with curiosity about what the book would be like. To my delight, I really enjoyed the narration. However, at times, some of the writing seemed a little too poetic for my personal taste. It's not a book that one would want to binge listen to in one go. Nevertheless, it is still a good book. The story has its own charm and the way it is told through the narration makes it engaging. Even though the overly poetic writing in certain parts might be a bit of a drawback for some, it doesn't overshadow the overall quality of the book. It offers a unique perspective and takes the listener on an interesting journey.
By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes. This line sets the tone for a thrilling and mysterious tale. Three o'clock in the morning is a special time for young boys. Their parents are fast asleep, and it's a time for exploration and discovery of secret things. Thirteen-year-old William Holloway and Jim Nightshade are no different. One particular October night, during their early morning adventure, they encounter the Dark and Cooger Carnival. The carnival arrives on an ancient steam train, and the boys can't resist following it to an empty field outside town. The wind howls through the calliope, as if singing a siren song to their young ears.
On this night, they get their first look at the mysterious Mr. Dark, also known as the Illustrated Man due to his tattoos. Their curiosity piqued, they vow to explore the carnival further. Over the next few days and nights, they realize this is no ordinary carnival. The hall of mirrors, wax museum, and backward-running carousel all hold strange and dangerous secrets. Unfortunately, their late-night excursions have not gone unnoticed. Mr. Dark knows what they have seen and their names.
It is William's father, Charles Holloway, who begins to shed some light on the matter. As the head librarian, he uncovers old newspaper advertisements for the carnival dating back to 1846. Charles, a middle-aged man who often feels useless, especially compared to his young son, must now face his fears and enter the carnival to save Will and Jim. This experience brings father and son closer together, as they both deal with the new evil that has entered their lives.
I read a physical copy of this book last year. The poetic language in it really gave me a hard time. It was extremely difficult for me to understand and made the reading process quite frustrating. "Just write what you mean!" I couldn't help but say out loud several times. At that moment, I even thought about giving the book just one star. However, I knew that Ray Bradbury and his highly acclaimed novel surely deserved more than that. So, I finally gave it three stars.
Several months later, I made a decision to listen to an audio version of the book to check if my perception of it would change. Oh boy, was I in for a big surprise! Stefan Rudnicki's reading of the book is simply fabulous. His wonderful narration allowed me to truly see (or rather hear) what a great story this actually is. Now, I would毫不犹豫地 give it five stars all the way!
Something Wicked this Way Comes by Ray Bradury is an extremely interesting tale. It revolves around a boy named Will Halloway and his friend Jim Nightshade. This book can fit into many genres, but I have specifically chosen to classify it under horror. The author employs a rich mix of metaphors and similes, which, along with the overall plot, make it a very confusing story. In fact, I had to read the book twice and also watch the movie adaptation before I could fully understand it. The story takes an exciting turn when a mysterious storm shows up in town. What exactly happens next? Well, you'll have to read the book and find out for yourself. It's a thrilling adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.