The Concrete Mixer

by Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury was one of the most celebrated 20th Century American writers. Many of his works have been adapted into comic books, television shows and films. He wrote science fiction, fantasy, horror and mystery stories. Among his most celebrated works are Fahrenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles and The Illustrated Man. “The Concrete Mixer” is one of his earlier stories. It was first published in Thrilling Wonder Stories in April 1949. In the story, a warlike race of Martians plans their glorious conquest of Earth but one of them, Ettil Vrye, foresaw defeat. He was given his choice of joining the Legion of War —or burning! The story contains quite a bit of humor and irony, things not often found in Bradbury stories.

Genres: Short Stories, Science Fiction, Classics, Audiobook

27 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2013

About the author

Ray Douglas Bradbury was an American author and screenwriter. One of the most celebrated 20th-century American writers, he worked in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and realistic fiction.

Bradbury is best known for his novel Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles (1950), The Illustrated Man (1951), and The October Country (1955). Other notable works include the coming of age novel Dandelion Wine (1957), the dark fantasy Something Wicked This Way Comes (1962) and the fictionalized memoir Green Shadows, White Whale (1992). He also wrote and consulted on screenplays and television scripts, including Moby Dick and It Came from Outer Space. Many of his works were adapted into television and film productions as well as comic books. Bradbury also wrote poetry which has been published in several collections, such as They Have Not Seen the Stars (2001).

The New York Times called Bradbury "An author whose fanciful imagination, poetic prose, and mature understanding of human character have won him an international reputation" and "the writer most responsible for bringing modern science fiction into the literary mainstream".

Reviews

[Louie the Mustache Matos · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Concrete Mixer was an early Ray Bradbury work circa 1949, which would make it eligible to be considered a classic in my book for its longevity (older than 50 years). I have three criteria for classics: longevity, paradigm altering, and exceptionalism. Bradbury had not yet developed his sophisticated storytelling style, so in some ways this is an oddity (humor was never his strength although here the satire is strong IMHO). However, the theme of imperialism that hangs over this story is overt, which absolutely was a Bradbury trope. His ability to give you a knockout punch was one of those Bradbury essentials which made him so good at short stories. I know many people don't consider this a really strong Bradbury offering, but clearly I disagree. Here, the doomcryer, looks silly, and in some ways he is almost a clown. I think this story element is a paradigm change and also makes it exceptional. You want to laugh so hard it makes you want to cry. The Martians discuss a takeover of Earth, but one single Martian voice foresees defeat. He is forced to choose death or to join the invasion, and when he looks on the eyes of his son, he decides to join the invasion force. This is a very well-told story, a classic in my book.

[catherine ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite. I like the message though. Glaring yet subtle.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐>

[James Biser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a tale of Martians who decide to invade Earth. They are not met with warriors, but are welcomed. They find the inhabitants of Earth want to use them in a type of business scheme. They are welcome, but they are to be used. Can the Martians escape back home?

[Mark Kosobucki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stories like this remind me why I love Ray Bradbury.

[Adhoc · Rating 1 out of 5]

Goofy nonsense.

[Jan Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martians invade Earth and do not get the reaction they expect.

[Mike Lisanke · Rating 2 out of 5]

How whimsical is Ray... no idea the point of the Martian invasion; Earth welcoming the Martians Or the Concrete Mixer hitting Ettil.

[Duarte · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's funny how it exposes the advance of civilisation to ridicule.
We're the perfect neighbours.
Perhaps too perfect ;)

[Fantasy Literature]

Reviewed in our Short fiction Monday column:
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...