Who Would Like This Book:
This book is a sprawling, mind-bending blend of dark fantasy and horror - with a touch of cosmic weirdness - set against the backdrop of small-town America. If you love epic battles between good and evil, ambitious world-building, and philosophical questions about reality, perception, and power, you’ll find a lot to savor here. Barker’s wild imagination shines, creating unforgettable creatures, twisted set pieces, and one of the most compelling villains in modern dark fiction. Perfect for fans of Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, or anyone who likes their fantasy with a healthy dose of disturbing surrealism.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you’re not a fan of long, intricate books with a large cast of characters and frequent perspective shifts, this might feel overwhelming or muddled. The story can get dense and occasionally drags in the middle, with some dialogue and descriptions coming off as repetitive or overwrought. Readers also mention that certain plot details can be hard to follow on a first read, and Barker’s use of eroticism or explicit content may be far from everyone’s taste. If you prefer tight, straightforward storytelling or are sensitive to graphic themes, this may not be your cup of tea.
About:
The Great and Secret Show by Clive Barker is an intricate fantasy novel blending horror and surrealism. It follows the story of Randolph Jaffe, a desperate man trapped in a dead-end job at a post office, who discovers a medallion that unlocks supernatural powers and leads him on a journey through an alternate reality. The narrative explores deep philosophical themes about the nature of existence, intertwining characters and their conflicts between good and evil in a captivating world that merges mind, spirit, and matter.
Barker's writing style is rich and atmospheric, filled with vivid imagery that pulls readers into the peculiar world of Quiddity. While the plot is complex with numerous twists, it may require readers to revisit earlier sections for full comprehension. Some appreciate the depth and imagination Barker offers, while others find certain elements repetitive or confusing. Despite this, the characters are memorable, with the protagonist's journey evoking strong emotional responses. Overall, the novel is a wild ride that showcases Barker's talent for blending the bizarre with thought-provoking themes.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book includes content warnings for graphic violence, sexual themes, and disturbing imagery.
Has Romance?
There are elements of romance present in the story, but they are not the primary focus.
From The Publisher:
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
From master storyteller Clive Barker, comes this intricately woven and meticulously constructed epic where past and future meet.
In the little town of Palomo Grove, two great armies are amassing; forces shaped from the hearts and souls of America. In this New York Times bestseller, Barker unveils one of the most ambitious imaginative landscapes in modern fiction, creating a new vocabulary for the age-old battle between good and evil.
The Art, the greatest power known to humankind, is the focus of struggle between the evil spirit, Jaff, and a force for light, Fletcher. Jaffe hopes to tap into The Art's power while Fletcher wants to prevent it from being tainted. The conflict between the two men spills into the real world in a decades-long feud, distorting reality and affecting the entire human race.
Carrying its readers from the first stirring of consciousness to a vision of the end of the world, The Great and Secret Show is a breathtaking journey in the company of a master storyteller.
Ratings (15)
Incredible (4) | |
Loved It (4) | |
Liked It (5) | |
It Was OK (1) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (34):
Read It (17) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (12) | |
Not Interested (4) |
What can you read after
The Great and Secret Show?
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