My husband is a long time avid Sci Fi fan and we have quite a collection on the bookshelves accumulated over many years. Most of them are the older authors, like Asimov, Neal Asher, Ann McAffrey, Peter Hamilton and Frank Herbert (Dune) – and a lot of Zelazny. Some of these I’ve enjoyed too, the ones which are more Fantasy than Science Fiction, and when I was told the concept of A Night in the Lonesome October, I dived in happily. And was very glad I did.
There is an introduction by Neil Gaiman, who admits Zelazny was a major inspiration for his own work. Indeed, this reads much like The Graveyard Book and Coraline in style and concept (not as scary as Coraline!).
Find A Night in the Lonesome October here.
Such a clever book (and one authors could beneficially study to see how Zelazny, with exquisite pacing, takes most of the book to reveal exactly what’s going on – well, it would if the stupid current blurb didn’t tell most of it).
The book is written from the point of view of Snuff, a watchdog whose master, Jack, is very good with a knife, especially when the curse is fully upon him. Snuff and Jack, and other characters and their animal companions (eg the cloak-wearing Count and the bat, Needle and the vodka drinking foreigner Rastov and his snake Quicklime), are players in a Game which takes place only when there is a full moon on Halloween. It’s a deadly game, with consequences for humanity. But whether these might be good or bad is uncertain. This ambiguity extends to the players too, where there are ‘good’ and ‘evil’ characters on both sides, some of whom might surprise you.
There are some wonderful sketches scattered throughout which add enormously to the feel of the tale.
Not a long book but entertaining and just plain fun.
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