In upper Illinois there stands a house, a house not built by human hands. And in this house there dwells a family unlike any other, a family of the undead. Mummies, vampires, werewolves, and some beyond description live there, or visit on special occasions. And there lives there one small human, Timothy. Left on the doorstep as a baby, it is Timothy's fate to write the story of the house and the family. This is Timothy's story.
From the above description, one might assume this book to be a work of horror. Strangely enough, that couldn't be further from the truth. This surrealistic story tells of a family that isn't and can't be, and that's rather too bad. This wonderful story draws you into the human condition of a very unhuman family, holding up a dark and distorted mirror to all humanity. It is quite fascinating, and, in its own way, heartwarming.
This novel is the product of some 40 years of Ray Bradbury's life. It influenced the work of Charles Addams (author of the Addams Family cartoons), and shows many affinities with those stories. So, if you are a fan of the Addams Family, of Ray Bradbury, of undead stories, or just plain a fan of good literature, then I highly recommend this wonderful book to you!