Monday, August 24, 2009

From the Dust Returned: A Novel by Ray Bradbury



You have to read From the Dust Returned: A Novel by Ray Bradbury with the Charles Addams cover artwork.

Bradbury had planned to do collaborative work with the Addams family artist, but the plan never came completely to fruition. You have here the author who has inspired countless science fiction authors, and the artist whose work has obviously influenced artists like Timothy Burton.

Bradbury shares in his Afterword that the characters from this book, the Elliot family, started as imaginary characters when he was 7 years old. Character portraits are based on loving memories of his own family and special Halloween celebrations devised by his Aunt Neva. The love for these happy memories and family shine through the writing.


I found that reading this book made me reminiscent of the days in my youth where I could curl up with a book on an endless summer day without any interruptions or responsibilities hanging over my head. The language is beautiful, and the plot is simple.

The only criticism I can offer is that the chapters are obviously "taped together" works of short stories ranging from 1946 to 2000. The throughline chapters are not always satisfying.


(4 out of 5 stars)

Five stars for the poetry of Bradbury's eloquence, and two stars for the continuity.

LEARN MORE:
Ray Bradbury Official Site ( http://www.raybradbury.com/ )