Flights of Fantasy discussion

Our horror selection for December is The Great and Secret Show by Clive Barker.

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I have only read Barker's Hellbound Heart, but I've heard this one is good. I will try to fit it in after Colleen's Nov pick.

Becky wrote: "I have only read Barker's Hellbound Heart, but I've heard this one is good. I will try to fit it in after Colleen's Nov pick."

I'll forgive you if you don't get to my pick...

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I can't decide whether I want to try this one or not. Barker scares me.

CTC, Barker manages to include almost every horrific depravity I know about, and then some, in a literary genre voice. It actually can be disgusting, and I was disgusted, which amazed me, since I've read a lot for a long time.

But it wasn't the scenarios, but the plot that did me in. To me, it seemed a little formulaic, but like I said, I've read a lot. Characterization was a little flat to me, as well. I think for other readers, the dramatic scenes and writing will be attractive, but the literary presentation will seem overlong in places.

Most who have read it seem to love it, though. I believe I'm a minority voice.