Mister. B. Gone
Clive Barker
Harper Collins
Release: October 30, 2007
Clive Barker is back. The man who brought us such masterpieces as Imajica, The Hellbound Heart, and Sacrament has returned to adult fiction for the first time since 2001. In recent years, he has been writing his series of young adult novels, the magnificent Abarat books.
His return brings us one of his most original characters, a demon trapped in a book that details his own life story, Jakabok Botch. Mister B. to his friends.
Clive Barker
Harper Collins
Release: October 30, 2007
Clive Barker is back. The man who brought us such masterpieces as Imajica, The Hellbound Heart, and Sacrament has returned to adult fiction for the first time since 2001. In recent years, he has been writing his series of young adult novels, the magnificent Abarat books.
His return brings us one of his most original characters, a demon trapped in a book that details his own life story, Jakabok Botch. Mister B. to his friends.
The book is presented as an unearthed autobiography where the reader quickly realizes that Mister B. is speaking directly to them.
Mister B. Gone begins with the simple command to “Burn this book.” It starts as a request and soon becomes a demand, a plea, a negotiation, and an ultimatum.
Our demon friend wants nothing more that for his printed prison to be charred asunder.
Between his demands for a fiery end he tells us his story of how he went from a lowly demon in the ninth level of hell to the imprisoned wretched force that he is now. It is quite a journey. At times funny and sad, endearing and horrifying, it certainly is Mr. Barker at the top of his game.
In less capable hands Mister B. Gone probably would have been convoluted mess of a book trying to be different and utterly failing. But in the hands of Clive Barker, it elevates to a wildly entertaining, if not paranoia inducing, romp from a Hell not much different than our own neighborhoods to the creation of a world changing invention.
Barker has given us a character to love and hate; to fear and pity. Mister B. is a character who speaks to us so plainly and sincerely that it is hard to remember that this is only a book. It is hard to keep yourself from glancing over your shoulder to make sure he isn’t about to make due on his promises. You may even find yourself searching for the flame that Mister B. so desperately craves.
I’d ask you not to grant his wishes. If only to see how his journey ends. What shocking secrets he has to reveal. It’s well worth his torment.
It’s quite a trip and a helluva read.
Mister B. Gone begins with the simple command to “Burn this book.” It starts as a request and soon becomes a demand, a plea, a negotiation, and an ultimatum.
Our demon friend wants nothing more that for his printed prison to be charred asunder.
Between his demands for a fiery end he tells us his story of how he went from a lowly demon in the ninth level of hell to the imprisoned wretched force that he is now. It is quite a journey. At times funny and sad, endearing and horrifying, it certainly is Mr. Barker at the top of his game.
In less capable hands Mister B. Gone probably would have been convoluted mess of a book trying to be different and utterly failing. But in the hands of Clive Barker, it elevates to a wildly entertaining, if not paranoia inducing, romp from a Hell not much different than our own neighborhoods to the creation of a world changing invention.
Barker has given us a character to love and hate; to fear and pity. Mister B. is a character who speaks to us so plainly and sincerely that it is hard to remember that this is only a book. It is hard to keep yourself from glancing over your shoulder to make sure he isn’t about to make due on his promises. You may even find yourself searching for the flame that Mister B. so desperately craves.
I’d ask you not to grant his wishes. If only to see how his journey ends. What shocking secrets he has to reveal. It’s well worth his torment.
It’s quite a trip and a helluva read.
In honor of the release of Mister B. Gone, Clive Barker is our artist of the month. We're featuring a large collection of his work in our store. Go shop!
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